For those of you too “weak” to attend the U.Va. - “Clempson” game today — it marked an end of an era. This was the last game that our good friends (and supporters of the University) Dan and Betsy will have a parking spot at the games (for complaints — write your favorite athletic director — a.k.a. Craig Littlepage, remover of the “pass out” and general destroyer of those things that we think of as “U.Va.”, not excluding the doubling of the prices to hold the parking spot this year).
The game turned out as we might expect in these times — a despicable display of offense, and the other team (those bastards from SC) ended up with enough offense to win.
I am saddened by this passing — as we have had many, many years of enjoyment in the parking lot at home football games. The fun started when Dan’s mom, Doris K., began her support of VSAF in 1982 (our first year of school). In those years drinking was legal for all of us, even encouraged by the University (remember E-school happy hour?) and Ms. K. had a very nice space under the trees east of the stadium. And we got to come out at halftime and imbibe. The “pass-out.”
Many of us did not necessarily come out at half time, though, because the Pep Band gave us such a good show (much better than the football team in those days — or even these days). It was worth staying in the stadium to see the fun!
My, how times have changed. From the post - 9/11 “we cannot allow pass-outs due to security issues” to the “give us a ton more money to keep your parking spot” to “ the Pep Band is dead and we want a band just like Virginia Tech! (or any other high school)” — we have weathered these abominations.
But no longer. The era ended today. And I am sad to see it go — but I support its demise. The school has lost its way — and our continued support will not help to redirect it.
I implore you all to stop your support of VSAF. And encourage everyone you know to do the same. Litttlepage must be replaced. Groh must go. Our school has been diminished by this foray into football “greatness.” Do what it takes to return the University to its former greatness and purge this place of its mistaken belief in the “top ten football god.”
I am personally ashamed of the University at this point. It has lost its way.
Michael LaPrade
SEAS 1986
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