On Saturday, I saw a focused Cavalier squad systematically dissect a less talented opponent to move into a first-place tie in the ACC with Maryland. I saw Billy McMullen prove that the football will end up coddled safely in his hands no matter who throws it. I saw the spirit of Franco Harris bless Tavon Mason with Virginia's own version of the immaculate reception, yet I still left Scott Stadium unimpressed.
The Cavaliers scored a fine victory over a Duke team that has surprised them in the past. But the behavior of some fans left such a bitter taste in my mouth that not even Virginia's sweetest win could have erased it.
From pregame to postgame, Saturday's Homecomings game was supposed to be about unity. For most of the contest, it was. A sign that read "United We Stand" hung from the upper levels above one end zone. Fans, 54,653 strong, drowned out the University of Virginia glee club's rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner with one of their own. The crowd gave the James River High School marching band a standing ovation as it wrapped up the halftime festivities with a repertoire of patriotic ballads.
It was a touching display of an American togetherness that was shattered every time the Cavaliers put points on the board.
In a game designed to show how a catastrophe can unify a strong country, a small but vocal segment of the Virginia student population continued to highlight how divided we still are by adding "not gay" to the Good 'Ol Song.
In the hours before the game, I hoped that all Cavalier fans would have the good taste to abstain from chanting that refrain in light of recent events. This is not a matter of First Amendment rights or collegiate camaraderie. It is a matter of respect and consideration. I'm sure most students are surprised by the outpouring of patriotism around Grounds during the past two weeks. Why not maintain this sense of kinship by not chanting a phrase that separates one group of individuals from another?
I noticed that most Virginia students did not shout "not gay." I also noticed that I could hear those who did from the press box opposite the student section.
Saturday's Homecomings game was not merely about football. The University tried to send a message that all the members of the Virginia community - male and female, white and black, gay and straight - could come together in the wake of the terrorist attacks and celebrate heroic acts on and off the field. At his post-game press conference, Groh told reporters that he proudly believes that the Sept. 11 tragedy has united America.
"A lot of those parenthetical identifications of who we are as Americans are being dropped and we're just all Team USA now," Groh said.
But every audible "not gay" that pierced the air slighted the University's aims and undermined Groh's beliefs.
As a result, I could not savor the 31 points Virginia scored en route to its third consecutive win. I could not fully appreciate the Cavalier defense that limited Duke to 10 points. I could not leave the game without feeling disappointed that so many of our fans continued to exhibit division at a time when unity is paramount.
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