My story takes place at the University of Texas at Austin, the Longhorns. Most of my close high school friends went to UT, so I was familiar enough with the campus to write about it.
Every teenager who grows up in Texas, at some point has to make the decision whether they are a UT or A&M fan. My brother went to Texas A&M, the home of the Aggies and I spent a lot of time in College Station. Enough time that I knew I didn’t want to go to school there.
When it was time for me to pick a school, of course, begin the wander that I am, I picked a place out of state, but if I did stay, I would be a Longhorn.
UT Austin had this laid back, artistic, cool vibe. That’s so me.
I wasn’t really into college football until I went to college at Florida State University. If you’ve ever been to a college football game and seen 70,000 people: alumni and students, 100% caught up in the emotion of everything happening on the field, then you know what I’m talking about.
UT Austin Facts:
Number of Students: 51,000
Mascot: Bevo, the Longhorns
Colors: Burnt orange and white
Established: 1883
Rally Cry: Hook’em Horns
Famous UT Alumni: Laura Bush, Janis Joplin, Matthew McConaughey, John Hamm, Marcia Gay Harden, Owen Wilson, Renee Zellweger, Tom Landry
Over the course of the book, my main character learns what college football is all about in the south. How a city lives and dies by their team. The players are treated like super stars and the results of a game can determine how the rest of the week will go. You can run through the gambit of emotions while watching a college football game.
Do you follow college football? Who is your favorite college football team?
Please add Another New Life to your Goodreads list.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 
Big fan of football, both college and pro. It’s the best thing about autumn.
I agree Alex. Watching baseball, basketball, hockey and nascar combined don’t make up for Football.
I’m afraid I am not a football fan in any shape or form, be it UK or US :). Rugby I’ll watch at a push. I prefer things like ice dance and gymnastics when viewing sports. Interesting intro though, thanks.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings
I went to a Rugby tournament once and loved it. Pretty violent with not much padding. Rugby guys have great bodies, too. Haha.
I love college football! I went to Ohio State so I’m a Buckeye fan. Agree with Alex that football is one of the best things about Autumn, there’s nothing else quite like it. 🙂
Hello, Buckeye. I love your school. Big fan if old schools with rich traditions.
not much of a footballer…just grew up with the Steelers. I know about football. Just don’t watch it. Luckily TheHubs and TheBoy aren’t fans either. 🙂
Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
My A to Z
Caring for My Veteran
haha. No ones fighting over the remote on Saturdays and Sundays in your house. haha
I always feel a bit left out because I’ve never been a huge sports fan. There isn’t one team I really care about and that’s kind of sad. Good for you for getting behind a team and enjoying it.
Charity, it’s not to late to get into it. I enjoy it.
I am not a football fan, but my husband never misses it. He gets really riled up during some games, too, to the point that our dog hides under the bed until the loud voices subside. 🙂
Best,
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
I can get pretty loud watching a game. Especially if it’s one of my favorite teams.
Football? What is this football??? Just kidding …. I know what it is but I never understand the fascination Americans have for this sport. One thing that I REALLY love about football is the much revered tailgate party. Now THAT I’m (touch)down with!
I think more writers would like football if they understood the drama involved. It’s not just about the game played. All sorts of conflict among the characters. It’s fascinating.
I love football though in India its cricket which people are crazy about.
I’m afraid this is all lost on me. I’m a British writer with no interest in sport. I’m an ex-Serviceman (23 years), and ex-retail manager (20 years), so my active sporting days are behind me.
I was a long distance runner until I was 40, and I played in various team sports, but I’m not a ‘fan’ of anything or anyone.
Having said all that, if a plot sounds good, and I can understand the sporting comments, I’m fine with it.