Behind Enemy Lines - Week Ten: Virginia
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 Tampa, Fla., give us a shout at @HurricaneSports – we want to hear from you.
This week’s Cane “Behind Enemy Lines” …
Adam Cataldi
Norfolk, Virginia
How did you become aHurricanes fan?
“The origins of my Hurricane pride are still unknown to this day. As a kid growing up in a Michigan State family, I strayed from the family norm and sought new colors – those being the magnificent Orange and Green. I was inseparable from my Canes hat and was always seen with it. This childhood interest grew into somethingspecial, and it has made me the ultra Canes fan I am today.”
Do you find itdifficult supporting Miami all the way from Virginia?
“Unfortunately being in the military, I do not always get to pick where Iend up. One thing is for sure, myHurricane pride has only become stronger being in the heart of ACC country and sofar from Coral Gables. Living here inNorfolk, Va., so close to Virginia, Virginia Tech, UNC, Duke, and NC State onlyexcites my Miami passion and I find myself as comfortable here as I amtailgating for a home game down in Miami.”
Is there a place you visit to watch Hurricanes games in the city?
“Luckily I live near many ACC schools, so myfavorite place to watch the Canes take the field is at our opponent’s stadium,as I will be this weekend at Virginia! If Iam not lucky enough to have a game nearby, I watch the games here in myapartment which is full of Miami gear.”
Have you found any other Hurricanes fans in Virginia?
“With Norfolk being a military town, there are people from all over thecountry. I have encountered manyHurricane fans here, especially since we are the most prideful. These encounters are usually on the road aswe pass each other with our car flags waving and we respond withthe appropriate U hand gesture. Myfavorite Hurricane fans to run into are when I’m pulling up to the gate onbase and the gate guard signals me through and gives me the, “have a good day,it’s all about the U!” I always knowthose are going to be good days.”
How do you support the Hurricanes – Any apartmentdecorations? Favorite piece of Canes gear? Travel for games?
“I have brought the majority of my Hurricanedecorations here to my apartment. Theliving room is appropriately showing the orange and green, while my bedroom is”in your face” Miami Hurricanes. WhetherI am watching the game in my living room, or traveling to the away games, Inever leave without my No. 5 jersey (Andre Johnson at the time). The jersey has been standing strong with mefor many years, and it is beginning to show its age, but it will be awhileuntil I let it go. If I am unable toshow my pride through my clothing, my car flags are always flying high as Idrive around Virginia.”
Any favorite memories or stories from your time as aHurricanes fan?
“The Miami Hurricanes have been such a part of my life, it’s tough to ratemy memories. Of course I loved the puredominance of the early 2000’s and the amazing feeling of winning a nationalchampionship. If I had to pick one, Iwould say the 2010 game at Florida State. It was my senior year at Miami, we made the long drive up to Tallahassee, and thegame did not disappoint. All fourquarters were back and forth, and it was appropriately ended with a goal linestand by the Canes. I will never forgetthe celebration in that stadium with my classmates and fellow Canes fans whenwe won that game.”
