Friends, Frogs, Football

Saturday came and went with another Horned Frog football game at home. But, this time it was a little more special. It was the best game of the year, my family’s house divided game! (Also shout out to these gems for being the best comm squad out there!) #gofrogs #hornsdown #goodluckintheSEC #bounceback #lookingforwardtonextweek #battleofthehorns

Battle of the Horns is a game that I cherish and enjoy every year. This year was no different, even with the 11 am kickoff (yes, I did continue the tradition with a PB&J and an energy drink, no it was not as easy as last week). Every Texas vs. TCU game at TCU, my mom puts together a tailgate for her office and our friends and family. Although my Frogs have some more work to do before heading on the road next week, this is a game my family cannot lose.

As someone who personally struggles with overthinking and anxiety, expectations are the devil. The week leading up to this game was a big struggle. My anxiety spiked, I didn’t feel like myself, and I knew I just had to get there for it to simmer. Since this game is such an important one in my family (and for conference play), it has always had high predictions in my mind. Usually, the event itself never goes the way it does in my head. However, I have learned to try and let go of those thoughts and just let it be. As hard as that can be, I am on a journey to learn and figure that out. On Saturday, almost nothing went the way my brain predicted and that’s okay. I got to spend time with my friends and family, the rain held off completely, and I got to devote the day to cheering on my Frogs at my favorite place.

As I reflect on the game, I’m reminiscent of the reunions I got to have with friends of mine from all stages of life. Family friends came to Fort Worth to watch their team, potential business friends and employers enjoyed the tailgate, friends from out of town got to come take a peek at campus, and I reunited with some of my best friends from my time as a Frog. This was the best part of the day. It is always special to me when I bring friends from all walks of life together. At one point, I was standing there with four other people who either graduated with me, are completing a masters program, or graduate this coming year. One of the best parts of TCU is the size of campus, there is no way to walk around without running into at least one person you know (its one thing that makes college so fun). The evidence in this was true this day, everyone knew each other from different aspects of campus whether that be mutual friends, classes, work, or programs: three of us were in a class together, two of us were in a club together, and one roommate tagged along, it was a blast. It really melted my heart to see almost all of my favorite people in one place. Expectations aside, I cannot think of a better way to enjoy the first weekend of October.