texas. football. stadiums.

Every year, around the time of two-a-days, my husband gets that look in his eye. It's really a reflection of all that his senses are taking in: a misty morning, freshly cut grass, a hint of cool on the breeze. Be it late summer or early fall, football is in the air. It finds a cozy place to reside for several months in the hearts and minds of many across both Texas and the entire nation. High school, pee wee, NFL or college, most people have some interest or another -- directly or indirectly -- in American football.

Since moving to the Lake Travis school district in 2005, I've been in Cavalier Nation... and what an honor it has been! The year my oldest started kindergarten in LTISD, the high school football program won state. The team repeated the next year and is currently marching toward its third title in as many years. VERY exciting times around here, to say the least.

Tonight, I was reading an email bulletin from the LT Booster Club and making a note in my calendar that this week's game is being played at Kyle Field on the campus of Texas A&M. Immediately I smiled to myself, remembering the many wonderful stadiums I've been to and the numerous games I've witnessed, especially since becoming a true football fan (I call myself a student of football because I love to ask questions and learn all I can about the game I never have and never will play. However, I do visualize myself as a really awesome linebacker, fast and intense in a small package. But that's another blog altogether).

The Dallas Cowboys: their last year in Texas Stadium and their first year in Cowboys Stadium (wins both times!); the Baylor Bears: when they actually went to a bowl game at the Alamodome too many years ago; my other alma mater, University High School, when they played at Kyle Field in the playoffs years ago; the year Vince Young led the Longhorns to their National Championship -- those were my first UT games and we had season tickets. What a way to spend a season! There was my first trip to the Cotton Bowl, only to witness Texas Tech losing to Alabama (and having to endure their catchy, albeit insulting, "We just beat the hell outta you" cheer). I also recalled watching the Midway Panthers play their home games at Baylor's Floyd Casey Stadium this past season, as well as the Lake Travis Cavaliers winning two state titles in that very stadium for the last two Christmases... that stadium where my college team never celebrated any national titles. But I did see a goalpost come down when Baylor beat A&M a few years back. My extended family gathered at that stadium to see Lake Travis beat Highland Park two years ago and Longview last year... Longview, who stopped Midway from advancing in last year's playoffs just a few weeks before... Longview who stopped the Panthers again this year.

Such glory and pain... I can only imagine the hearts of boys and men, young and old, who've walked out of those tunnels, onto those fields, into those lights and crowds. As a fan, the screams and cheers and high-fives, I assume, don't compare to those exchanged between the warriors who have taken to their battlefield with all the heart they could muster for any given game. As a woman, as a fan, as a student of the game, I feel blessed to partake in whatever way possible. And I look forward to a lot more football in my future... including that LT game this weekend (yes, this is how my husband and I might spend our first weekend in a long time without our boys) and a weekend visit with old friends in two weeks (a visit that was basically scheduled around the Cowboys game on the NFL Network).

Yes, lots more football in my future. I say, set the DVR or pile on the warm clothes. Either way, bring it on!