The long Saturday spent taking the SAT, the application process, the never-too-many purchases at the campus store loading up on Sun Devil apparel; all prepared me for my life-long goal of becoming a Sun Devil.

I’ve been attending classes, making my freshman identity obvious; loaded up with school supplies and double-checking building locations and room numbers, for about a month now. I’ve had my first time eating lunch in the MU, first time late to class because I thought I had time to get Starbucks, and now to add to the list of firsts, I was about to experience my first college football game. The weather wasn’t too hot, I had my gold shirt and maroon shoes on, Sun Card and camera and I was ready.

I learned to reserve my section early the hard way, ending up with the farthest student section as my only option when I went online. And after walking to the wrong area numerous times, I found the wristband line followed by the student entrance.

I was overcome with excitement from the moment I walked in. The clock read forty-minutes until kick-off, and I was mentally begging the seconds to countdown faster.

Before the game began, we cheered on the marching band, the talented baton twirler and enjoyed a unique Sun Devil Fan Story on a senior who wears gold every single day of the month in September. Then the Sun Devil intro video played where Sparky is Godzilla-like, marching around the city, and stomps on the Utah bus before entering into the stadium. The crowd went crazy.

Then, the anticipation grew. In unison the sea of gold cheered, awaiting our team’s arrival to Frank Kush field. They emerged from the tunnel, the fireworks shot off and the stadium roar could undoubtedly be heard throughout all of Tempe.

Bare with me while I sound like a freshman for a second: but I learned a few cool traditions. The first, you hold up your car keys and shake them during the kickoff. Another, you throw your pitchfork in the air three times on the third down; the first down also has a chant accompanied by the fork. Third, you yell “Go” to the other section and they chant back “Devils.” Last but not least, every time we score, Sparky gets up on his platform and we cheer him on counting out while he does pushups for every point.

I was pleasantly surprised to find free water cups readily available.  Free shirts were also handed out, so that was exciting, as I said before, you can never too many ASU shirts.

Almost right off the bat, Rashad Ross got the touchdown putting points on the board for ASU.

The momentum was unbelievable. Every play whether it was a long-pass down the field by quarterback Taylor Kelly or a rush by Cameron Marshall, the student section was right behind them, cheering the players on to victory.

By halftime, ASU was crushing the Utah Utes 31-7. But that was okay, because my friends and I got to move in closer to midfield, and picked up the slack for those who left with our proud voices.

I’m so happy I went and had the experience; definitely a memorable part of what’s sure to be the best four-years of my life. I can’t wait to go to another game, and I’m proud to be a part of the Sun Devil student section.

By Preslie Hirsch, ASU Freshman