In my first column last year, I quoted four-time NBA championship head coach and current head coach of the Miami Heat Pat Riley as saying, “Commitment to the team – there is no such thing as in between, you are either in or out.”

Those who have formed lasting bonds with specific teams know exactly what Riley is talking about. There is no gray area when it comes to being a “real” fan. Like Riley says, it’s a simple matter of being in or out. 

If you make the choice to be in, there is no going back. You can’t be a Mavs fan all season and then when they lose in the first round to the eighth-seed Golden State Warriors suddenly decide to be behind the Phoenix Suns. You’re either a Mavs fan or not. In or out. 

The choice to support a team totally and completely, to be a true fan of that team means taking the good with the bad. You can’t be a Dallas Cowboys fan only when they’re winning and lay low at times when they seem to be the joke of the NFC.

To be a true fan you must never allow for your allegiance to that team to be questioned, your commitment to the team never falters. You know where your support goes – win, loss, or draw that team has got your love and devotion.  In or out.

As former Green Bay Packers quarterback and two-time NFL Bart Starr says, “Anyone can support a team that is winning — it takes no courage.  But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you, that takes a lot of courage.” 

True fans stick by their teams through thick and thin, through the good, the bad, and the ugly. True fans are there to celebrate championships and seasons chock-full of losing streaks.
With the Saints soccer and volleyball inaugural seasons under way, it is time for everyone on campus to decide who is in and who is out. 

Naturally, since this is a sports column the push is going to be to get in, so come out and support your Saints at the next volleyball and soccer games. Show your fellow Dillos how appreciative the Lake community is for their hard work and dedication.