with Gary Laubach

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Emmy-nominated local sports broadcaster Gary Laubach has served as the voice of the Leopards on television since 1996, handling play-by-play duties for theLafayette Sports Network. The Sports Director at RCN-TV 4, Laubach has been a television sports broadcaster for more than 35 years and has called over 4,000 contests. The Behind the Mic column offers a broadcaster's perspective on Lafayette Athletics.

August 21, 2006

A FAN REALLY HATES THE GAME

I have been an observer of sports almost all my life. I choose "observer" in order to make my point. I spent much of my youth watching the NFL, rooting for the Colts; the NBA, cheering on the Celtics; and MLB, as a Willie Mays and New York Giants supporter. Notice I did not say fan. As I remember back to those days, I can say that I truly enjoyed watching the games. I now realize if I TRULY ENJOYED the games, I was not TRULY a fan. You see, I have come to the conclusion that if you are a rabid, color bleeding, screaming, remote throwing fan, you CANNOT enjoy the game.

For example, if you spent November 19 last year watching the 141st Lafayette- Lehigh game and you had a serious desire, I mean a FANatical desire, to see the Leopards beat their arch-rival (and who didn't?), I can guarantee you that the game was far from enjoyable. Quarterback Brad Maurer was knocked out of the game in the first series. "Game-over" depression begins to set in. That depression, of course, followed "pre-game depression" and always precedes "post-game depression".

The Leopard defense would be strong all day, but how in the world could Lafayette score any points? Lafayette blocked a punt and scored on a short field. Lafayette 7-0. Well, at least we won't be shut out! An exchange of field goals made the score 10-3 at the half. Halftime - I forgot about "halftime depression" - where you now must wait 15 minutes for the axe to fall. The opponent will most certainly make adjustments and control the second half. Are you making yourself sick yet?

Lehigh scored on four straight possessions (three field goals and a touchdown) and led 19-10. You get sicker with each score and become convinced that each field goal and touchdown celebration is being carried on simultaneously in your stomach. The tailgate lunch is beginning to search for an EXIT inside your own personal stadium. Why are you putting yourself through this? You could be raking leaves.

Do you think it is easy for a fan to sit through a 65-yard drive? Lafayette scores and the tally is now 19-17 with 8:02 to go. Losing by two would only make everyone feel worse, but fortunately for you, you can't feel any worse!

A Lehigh fumble! Yes! Lafayette - three and out - No! Lehigh first down - No! Lehigh punt - Yes! Lafayette drives to Lehigh 37 - Yes! 4th and 10 - No! Field goal - Maybe! Go for it - Yes! Pat Davis chased from the pocket - No! Hurt makes the catch and scores - Omigod!! By now your whole body feels like Nancy Kerrigan's after a Tanya Harding thug-thrashing! You want to celebrate. But you are a fan! No celebration allowed.

Will we make the NCAA I-AA Playoffs? This team deserves it. What if they don't get in? You are feeling nauseous again! If they do get in, how can they compete against the scholarship bullies?

They're in - Yes! Appalachian State - No! Well, you're starting to get the picture.

If you truly are a fan, you just can't enjoy the game.

Another season - Yes! Go Leopards - Yes! Did you see the schedule? - No!

You're feeling sick again - but it's more than worth it.