The stampede symbolically stands for all as one, standing firm as individual Bulls no matter the placement.

By acknowledging the silent, rigorous hard-working athletes, we find ourselves forgetting that they too play a role in allowing the stampede to move swiftly and steadily while being depicted as determined and successful individuals.

“Success” is a word most people misinterpret to mean a constant winner. But in my opinion it’s the three-times-a-day practices, all nighters, two jobs while in school and living on the edge financially that drags behind the word success and should make up its definition.

Success should be driven by determination and hope.

Exactly where does the hope come from? Does it ever feel good to hear someone say you’re a failure?

Not typically, because in most cases it is better to hear through your coaches, friends, co-workers, family and most importantly your peers, who should be right along side your family and teammates when it comes to being your biggest fans, encouraging you.

Saturday night, a big part of the stampede marched out on their home football field with their heads high, hopeful I would imagine until a huge gust of discouraging wind
projected from the mouths of those wearing the clothing in representation of being a Bull.

I remember when I first failed a test I worked extremely hard to study for.

I went into the test hopeful with my head held so high, only to find out later I had not received the grade I strived for. Therefore, you could say it was my loss. I can’t imagine the feeling I would get if someone hovered over me halfway through and repetitively reminded me of my loss.

I do not think I would ever be able to walk into another test by that particular instructor without feeling incompetent.

With that being said, we must remember that we are all human and we are all
people. Because we know what brings hope rather than discouragement we should all be aware that we have all probably been there and would like encouragement opposed to discouragement.

It is humorous because the only difference between those Bulls and myself is that majority of my losses are in secret. On the other hand, most of those particular Bulls are paid athletes.

Whether on a big scale or small scale, we know how those football players felt.

Christine Poole-Trice is a senior majoring in health science.