Monday, February 22, 2010

Proud to Wear The Blue & Gray



It has been a long week after our close loss to the Syracuse Orange last Thursday, February 18th. After falling behind in the first half, the Hoyas made a gallant effort that just fell short at Verizon Center. I do not think that any of us, including the players and coaches are satisfied with a moral victory, especially against a Big East opponent. Much has been made of the many rowdy Syracuse fans in all levels of Verizon Center but let’s get back to that later. I was happy to see the Hoyas battle back and compete for the game after falling behind. I was not satisfied with the final outcome, but we must understand that it is one game, and we still have several more key Big East games to play. To be a true Hoya, and wear the Blue & Gray, means you never give up, and you always support your team. We are defined by our actions and how we conduct ourselves.


After the Syracuse game, I made myself wait a few days before writing this blog post. It was difficult especially after a group of Syracuse fans blocked my car on H Street not allowing me to leave the Chinatown area for about 10 minutes. My theory is the ‘Cuse fans were trying to get inside our heads and psyche! It does not change the fact that it was Georgetown who won the first Big East Tournament Championship, and the last game at Manley Field House. It is Georgetown that has won the most Big East Tournament championships, and has won more regular season Big East Championships than the Syracuse Orange.


Getting back to the talk about Syracuse fans in the Verizon Center. I agree that we need to be more consistent about getting our fans into the Verizon Center. Our Athletic Department and Ticket Office have done a great deal of work trying to keep Hoya fans in the seats. I have heard all of the stories about being in Washington, D.C. and in a pro arena. While this may be true and these challenges are real--the answer is simple. We should only invite true Hoya fans to our games. Years ago (over 10 years ago) I used to invite my friends who were alumni of other schools to see their teams play. I no longer do that. I only invite Georgetown alumni or hard core Hoya fans to the Verizon Center. I can invite my other friends to Wizards or Capital Games. There are plenty of entertainment venues for me to invite my non-Hoya friends. For Georgetown games I only want to see hard core Hoya Fans in the seats--Fans who are Proud to Wear the Blue and Gray!


We are Georgetown!--No Syracuse fans can change that! Hoya Saxa!


Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing