If you’re a fan of college football, or a sports fan of any ilk, you surely know that Indiana University won the College Football Playoff series Monday night, January 19th. In an incredibly exciting game, IU defeated the University of Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in Hard Rock stadium, the ‘Canes home field, for the National Championship. The Hoosiers were the number one seed and entered the game 15-0. Miami was the number ten seed, but from a fan’s perspective could have just as easily been the number two seed; or maybe they were good enough to be seeded 1A.
I won’t go into specifics of the game other than to say it was hard fought, and both teams had spectacular and memorable plays. After the game were the interminable interviews, replays of the Quarterback draw play that ended with a touchdown dive into the end zone, a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown, and an interception that sealed the victory. Plus, there were trophy presentations and naming of outstanding players. That was all on Monday night.
In this article, however, I wanted to share my thoughts on the victory ceremony held in Memorial Stadium in Bloomington Saturday afternoon. If I hadn’t been paying attention to my phone, I would have missed it entirely, because I received a text that the celebration was about to start and to check a local TV channel streaming service. It sounded interesting, so I opened the app for Indianapolis TV station, WRTV. On the WRTV app I was able to watch the event from beginning to end. As I said it was held outside in Memorial Stadium on a cloudy, gray day with a temperature of 11°. Amazingly, the stadium was at least a quarter or more filled. My guess is that at least 20,000 to 25,000 lively fans were there to congratulate the Hoosiers.
On the hour, the PA announcer started the event calling the team onto the filed, led by coach Curt Cignetti and the offensive and defensive captains. They walked from the north end of the stadium to a stage on the south end. Cheers and applause accompanied their end-to-end stroll.
On the stage, the PA announcer introduced IU radio legend, Don Fischer, who emceed the celebration. Who doesn’t like Don Fischer? This is his 53rd year as the voice of the Hoosiers, and he’s as good now as he was in 1973. Fisch make a few brief remarks and introduced Curt Cignetti to thunderous applause. He spoke briefly, too, then introduced IU President Pamela Whitten. She was greeted with somewhat muted “boos,” but was able to share her belief in and support for the IU football program. Cignetti partially credits her with the success of the football program because of her commitment to a winning culture. So far, the process is working.
Then, of all things, President Whitten introduced 74 year old John Mellencamp, a huge IU athletics fan and booster. Mellencamp has donated millions to IU to build a 100,000 square foot indoor pavilion, a facility for practice and contests. He’s given much more to the university and is very popular with the administration. Mellencamp then sang his big hit, “Hurt So Good,” a song he wrote in 1982, a full 20 years before any of the IU players were born. So when he asked them to sing along, there were a lot of idle voices on the stage.
Don Fischer returned, thanked John Mellencamp, then introduced a dignitary who presented Curt Cignetti with a coach of the century award. (The award was not for the century; I made that up). Another award-bearing dignitary was next. He re-presented Fernando Mendoza with the Heisman trophy to enthusiastic applause. Scott Dolson, the IU athletics director, and my “pen pal,” then spoke about hiring Cignetti, how he challenged Cignetti to be successful, and how Cignetti said, “You’re blankety-blank right we’re gonna win!” Dolson seems to be apolitical and does he thinks is right for IU and not what big donors demand of him. I just wish he had the same positive influence on the basketball team.
The last segment of the program was player comments. Those who commented were largely Seniors or players whose eligibility has expired. They were brief, not profane, and largely grateful to Indiana University and coach Cignetti for giving them the opportunity to play at IU.
Last, but not least, the players led everyone in singing the IU fight song. I.U.!
Thirty-five minutes after the hour it was over. A great ceremony for a great team. It’s too bad the weather was so cold. I’m sure that kept the speeches brief and more than a few people away. The celebration could have been in Simon-Skjodt Assembly hall that holds 17k but instead was held Memorial stadium that seats 53,000+. I’m sure they were expecting a better turnout, but with Indiana weather, the only predictable thing is the unpredictable.
I’m glad I accidentally saw this celebration, because had I missed it I would have been upset. It was low key and not as raucous as it would have been if the weather had been warmer. I bet if you want to watch it, you could find it on You tube.
The last two years of IU football have been phenomenal. If it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, to be seeded number one and ranked number one is beyond belief. Let alone A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! Next season will see many new names and faces, and perhaps a new approach at winning, but the bar has been set very high. No one should expect perfection and a national championship again in ‘27. But I bet no longer will there be more vacant seats than occupied spots in Memorial stadium, and I also bet tickets will no longer sell for less than face value. Every loyal IU alum will wonder why this success took so long to realize.
Addendum: The team was honored again before the IU-Purdue basketball game on Tuesday night, January 27th, in Bloomington. To add life to the celebration, IU beat no. 12-ranked Purdue 72-67.
References: www.google.com/search-john-mellencamps-gifts.
