Dec. 9, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- One of Northwestern's best qualities is its large and dedicated fan base found all around the country, and we want to share their stories with you. Our first spotlight is on a father and son duo who traveled from New Jersey to Evanston for the Wildcats' final home game of the season against Illinois. It was Youth Football Day at Ryan Field so they took part in everything the Wildcats had planned for that day, including discounted youth football tickets and a pregame football clinic with former Wildcat players, Tim McGarigle, Slade Larscheid, Joel Howells and Adam Kadela. Check out A Day in the Life of Wildcat Fans Gregory and Coleston Smith, in their own words.

Coleston got advice from former Wildcat linebacker Adam Kadela in Wildcat Alley before the NU-Illinois game.

The Smith Story
It had been a great football season, not only for the Cats, but for Coleston, my 8- year-old son. In his first year in pads as a third grader in Ridgewood, New Jersey, he got to play as a starter on both sides of the field -- at center on offense and as defensive end on defense. In his last couple of games, he really turned it up a notch and everyone seemed to notice -coaches, parents, and opponents. He had several tackles for loss (just like New Jersey's own Corey Wootton) and even got a chance to run the ball at halfback. After his games on Saturday morning, it seemed like the Wildcats were on national TV almost every week. Brendan Smith's interception return at Minnesota put Coleston over the top as a purple-veined NU Cat fan. He started to know several of the players' names and their positions by heart. As a reward for his hard work and a successful season, I decided to take him to Evanston to watch the 'Cats play Illinois ...

The NCAA all-time record holder for tackles, Tim McGarigle, showed Coleston some pointers at the Youth Football Clinic.

November 22, 2008
9:00 A.M
After breakfast in downtown Evanston, Coleston and I walked up Sherman Avenue and were the first customers in the store to buy some Wildcat garb. It was a cold day, so we bought a purple Wildcat pullover and also a souvenir Wildcat football. With ball in hand Coleston started to pretend that he was an NU football player. He quizzed me as to who he was emulating. He started with a high step. "Mike Kafka," I said. "Right!" This time he zigzagged. "Tyrell Sutton?" "Right again!" Then he pretended to catch the ball and run in the opposite direction. "Brendan Smith?" "Right again." We continued up Sherman Avenue where I showed Coleston my dorm for my first two years at NU, Willard Hall. We continued east past his grandmother's old sorority house (both my parents attended NU in the early 1960's) and then walked past the Rock to Deering Library, where we took refuge to warm up and look at an exhibit with photos of the early days of NU's historic campus.

Former Wildcat great, Darnell Autry, asked Coleston to play catch as they waited on Walker Way for the Wildcat Team to arrive at the stadium before the NU-Illinois game.

11:30 a.m.
After passing by my father's old fraternity and my old fraternity next door on Lincoln Avenue, we took the free buses and headed for Ryan field. We hung out at Walker Way with the hopes of getting a glimpse of some of the players as they headed to the locker room before the game. We played catch with our new football to keep warm. After about 10 minutes a well-built guy in his 30s asked for a pass. Coleston passed the ball to him and I did a double-take. "That's Darnell Autry!" I thought to myself. We exchanged a few more passes and then I told Coleston that Darnell Autry led the 'Cats to the Rose Bowl. When I asked Darnell what advice he had for Coleston if he wanted to become a running back for the 'Cats, he signed our new football and said with a smile, "Work hard."

Moments later Coleston got a big hug from Willie the Wildcat and caught a free "Walk With Us" purple tee shirt that was thrown out by the cheerleaders as the team arrived at the stadium. We saved the t-shirt for Coleston's brother. As we waited for the team, I struck up a nice conversation with Brad Phillips' mother about how he became a Wildcat football player. Then the Cats made their way out of the bus toward the locker room. We noticed Brendan Smith immediately and he looked completely relaxed. Coach Fitz, C.J. Bachér, Mike Kafka and Corey Wootton looked intense -- really focused.

Coleston played games in Wildcat Alley before the game, including the Football Toss presented by U.S. Cellular.

1:00 p.m.
Coleston and I visited Wildcat Alley, which had several free youth-oriented activities. Coleston tried everything -- the bean toss, the quarterback throw, lacrosse passing and more. But the highlight of his experience there was meeting former NU football players Tim McGarigle, Adam Kadela, Slade Larscheid and Joel Howells. They were really nice and provided great advice. "Move your feet a little closer together so that you can really pop-out of your stance," Kadela said. "Remember to wrap, hold, and keep driving your feet while you are tackling," McGarigle advised. They were impressed with Coleston's passing and catching skills.

2:30 p.m.
Game time. It was cold, but the cheer of the crowd kept us warm. We ate popcorn from a container that was a souvenir NU mini-megaphone. I used the mega phone to chant, "GO-U!" "NU!" The crowd responded. The Cats scored the first couple of touchdowns which allowed me to teach Coleston the NU fight song.

5:00 p.m.
When the game ended, we went on to the field with many other fans. I high-fived several of the players and then saw Mike Kafka -- I told Mike that Coleston was one of his biggest fans -- and Mike stooped down to give a Coleston a handshake and thanked him for attending the game. Andrew Brewer did the same and Coleston gave me a high-five. "Awesome!"

6:00 p.m.
Before we left for O'Hare we stopped at Let's Tailgate on Central Street to buy a Tyrell Sutton jersey. The place was packed. The postgame radio show was on and we could hear Coach Fitz praising his players.

Coleston took part in the Youth Football Clinic in Wildcat Alley before the game with (from left to right) Tim McGarigle, Slade Larscheid, Adam Kadela and Joel Howells.

8:30 p.m.
As we got on to our flight to LaGuardia, I reflected on a perfect day and pondered what a class act NU's football program had become -- truly "the highest order of excellence."

Gregory and Coleston hope to see you wearing purple at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on December 29th.

Go 'Cats!

Share your Wildcat story -- tell us about your experiences at a Wildcat Football game. If your story is posted on NUsports.com in 2009 you will receive two free tickets to a home Football game of your choice next season. Plus, you will be brought on the field before the game for a photo with Willie the Wildcat for a special Wildcat memory. Submit your story to wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu before August 1, 2009 for your chance to tell your story.