Behind Enemy Lines - Week Three: Atlanta
Behind Enemy Lines isa weekly feature on HurricaneSports.com, highlighting the passion of Miami fansin opposing team territory. And if you’re reading this from Raleigh, N.C., give us a shout at @HurricaneSports – we want to hear from you.
This week’s Cane “Behind Enemy Lines” …
Katie Koziol
Atlanta, Georgia
How did you become aHurricanes fan?
“I applied to Miami for graduate school and knew if I got in, I was heading there despite thefact I had never been before or visited campus. As soon as Ireceived my acceptance letter, I became a Canes fan. My mom and I flew toMiami shortly thereafter to visit, and as soon as I saw all the palm trees oncampus, I knew it was the place for me. Little did I know that attendingThe U would be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Thetraditions, campus, opportunities and – most importantly – the people that make upthe Canes family are second to none. It is a privilege to be a Hurricaneand one I do not take for granted.”
Do you find itdifficult supporting Miami all the way from Atlanta?
“Surprisingly no, notreally. Atlanta is a melting pot of sorts and full of passionate collegesports fans. Having an airport that is as big and busy as Atlanta’s helpstoo, as there are plenty of flights to South Florida (or anywhere else the Canesare playing) if I want to go to a game.”
Is there a place you visit to watch Hurricanes games in the city?
“I travel a lot forwork and often am on the road during weekends. There have been severalinstances where I have welcomed a delayed flight or two, as it meant I couldwatch the Canes live on television somewhere in the airport. If Iam home in Atlanta, and the Canes are not in town playing Georgia Tech, youwill likely find me in front of the big screen TV at my house during Canesgames. Sometimes there is just no place like home.”
Have you found any other Hurricanes fans in Atlanta?
“Yes! I have thepleasure of working with a couple of Canes, which is a lot of fun. I alsohave some dear friends, and fellow Canes, that live outside the city. Wetry and get together as much as possible to cheer on the Hurricanes.”
How do you support the Hurricanes – Any apartmentdecorations? Favorite piece of Canes gear? Travel for games?
“I am incredibly lucky to work for acompany that fully supports its employees showcasing their school pride. I have a space in my office dedicated to The U. It includes a seat fromthe Orange Bowl and some other Canes memorabilia that I have collected over theyears. Any time we have a dress-down day at the office, I proudly sportmy Canes gear…much to the dismay of my colleagues that are ‘Noles andGators.
I try to get to as many games as Ican during the season. This year, I will definitely be at this weekend’sgame at Georgia Tech and the October 6th game in Chicago against NotreDame. Hopefully, I can get to at least one additional game, preferably ahome game. Nothing beats a tailgate in Miami with my favoriteCanes.”
Any favorite memories or stories from your time as aHurricanes fan?
“Of course! The2004 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl was pretty amazing. Being here in Atlantathat week before the game was a lot of fun, but the game itself wasincredible. When Devin Hester ran back a blocked field goal to score atouchdown in the first half, the Canes sideline and fans went nuts. It wasawesome! Some other memories that stand out include tailgates in lot SW1at the OB, and my first game as a Cane – the 2004 game against Florida State, anovertime win against the ‘Noles. It doesn’t get much better thanthat! Go Canes!”
