UPDATE 9/9 3pm: A few folks have taken up the Great Mustache Challenge – check out The Owl’s Nest for the latest.
In a recent post I discussed my feelings on the 2011 college football season. Let me flesh out those feelings a bit more to provide background to the Great Mustache Challenge (GMC) on which I’ve embarked. My last season at FAU in 2007 was storybook, complete with overcoming long odds and personal challenges. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to complete my playing career. Since that year FAU has gotten progressively worse, finishing 2010 at 4-8.
I’ve spent the last few years as a fan of FAU, a situation not made easier by the team’s shortcomings on the field. I’m no fair-weather fan and I’ll continue to stick by the team, however, I do recognize the difficulties faced by fans of teams that underachieve. To go year after year, looking forward to a new season, only to have repetitive results is crushing.
This crushing feeling I’ve experienced over the last few years brings me to the GMC. I believe, with no shred of scientific evidence nor reasonable thought, that my actions as a fan can in fact help my team on the field. This has led me in years past to follow peculiar superstitions, like in 2009 when I refused to watch a FAU game unless it was in person (something made easier by FAUs lack of TV exposure) or in 2010 when I drank liquid only between plays. These superstitions happened on a whim, and so has the GMC.
The Great Mustache Challenge
One the ride home from FAUs loss to UF this past weekend I mentioned in passing to my fiance that I wouldn’t shave my mustache until the team won, thus the GMC was born! The GMC is a test of will and against popular culture (considering the ‘stache has been out of style for years). It is a challenge that should be undertaken only by FAU fans that bleed blue and red. To the faithful (and well-groomed) this challenge is bestowed, will you heed the call?
Granted, this may not be the year to issue the GMC considering FAU is: coming off a 4-8 season, in search of a new head coach, installing a new defensive scheme, and breaking in new starters at QB, WR, TE, and DB. GMC flies in the face of those considerations and serves as a testament to true fandom, which is to believe and your team will succeed. Lets fly together Owl fans! If you’re taking the challenge then let me know by commenting below.
