A college senior and opinion columnist reflects on the lack of sports culture at Cal Poly, questioning whether students are missing out on a unique form of community engagement. Despite boasting 21 NCAA Division I teams, the university struggles to rally student support, particularly in popular sports like football and basketball. This article delves into the reasons behind this disconnect, emphasizing the emotional and social rewards that sports fandom can bring to campus life. It also highlights recent athletic achievements and suggests ways students might become more involved.

Growing up as an avid sports enthusiast, the writer fondly recalls attending local college games with their father. Now a fourth-year student, they observe that college life extends far beyond athletics but wonder if it shouldn't include more emphasis on sports spirit. At Cal Poly, where fan culture is notably absent, only a few annual events, such as the Blue-Green soccer rivalry with UC Santa Barbara, generate any significant enthusiasm. For the most part, students remain indifferent, often dismissing their own teams as underperforming despite notable successes in lesser-known sports.

The perception among students is that Cal Poly's football and basketball teams lack distinction, overshadowing achievements in other areas. However, the university recently claimed the Big West Commissioner’s Cup, an award recognizing overall excellence across all conference sports. This indicates that while some teams may struggle, others excel significantly. Unfortunately, unless high-profile sports begin attracting greater attention through improved performance, less visible yet accomplished teams may continue to go unnoticed by the broader student body.

In regions like the South, college sports foster lifelong allegiances rooted in tradition. In contrast, many Cal Poly students hail from outside the area, lacking pre-existing ties to local teams. Consequently, they view athletes merely as peers pursuing different interests rather than representatives of their institution. Yet, the joy of gathering with friends during a live game transcends mere competition outcomes, offering camaraderie and shared experiences. Engaging in friendly banter or even good-natured heckling enhances these moments, making them memorable and enjoyable.

Sports fandom creates bonds unlike any other, blending emotion and excitement in a way that unites diverse groups. Whether pretending interest in another person's favorite team or genuinely sharing highs and lows with fellow supporters, connections deepen over time. The author reminisces about bonding with family and friends through years of attending Stanford football games, illustrating how such traditions enrich lives. At Cal Poly, current narratives include women's tennis striving for consecutive titles, Aidan McCarthy setting records, and beach volleyball maintaining national prominence. Meanwhile, concerns arise regarding potential cuts to non-revenue-generating programs amid evolving NCAA regulations.

Rather than demanding extreme dedication akin to Duke University fans camping outdoors for weeks, the suggestion is simple: invite friends to attend a few games together. Doing so could spark newfound appreciation for campus athletics and contribute to building a stronger sense of community. Ultimately, embracing sports culture offers opportunities for enjoyment and unity worth exploring further.