I am writing to encourage all Duke students to support their football team. As a season ticket holder for more than 25 seasons, I have seen the best of times and have certainly seen the worst of times. We are no longer in the worst of times! This team needs the support of their peers—you. We now have a product on the field which we can be proud of. Whether you support the student Tailgate or not should not keep you from coming to the stadium to support the team. Football Saturdays in college should lead to great memories. Don’t find yourself looking back on your college days wishing you had attended more games. The season is already halfway over.
I must say that I was most discouraged to see the lack of student support for the Virginia Tech game. We were playing the No. 5 team in the country! You can argue that it was Fall Break, but I walked through campus and saw enough students sitting out enjoying the weather that could have made a great impact inside the stadium. The effort from the team that afternoon was tremendous. Your lack of attendance sent a message of apathy to the team and the other fans in attendance.
The team followed the Virginia Tech performance with a fantastic total team effort at North Carolina State University crushing the Wolfpack. I had the privilege to attend that game as well and could not have been more proud to be a Blue Devil in a hostile environment. Our quarterback was just named the National Offensive Player of the Week for his performance that afternoon.
I hope to see the student section overflowing when Maryland comes to Wallace Wade on Oct. 24. I can assure you that the team will give a great effort. May the students and all Duke fans everywhere show up and give their best and loudest effort yet.
Chuck Hemric
Director of volunteer services,
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
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