Eagles loss cuts deep for Penna. fans

For those many disappointed Eagles fans from eastern Pennsylvania, Sunday night's Super Bowl victory for the New England Patriots was not even sweet sorrow. It was downright depressing.

"I am sick and tired of being a fan of teams that never win!" said first-year Zach Burkholder, a Philadelphia native. "There has never been a Philadelphia championship that I have had both the pleasure of watching and the joy of them winning. I watched the game in Philly. It was nice because all the people there were heartbroken as well."

While the Common Grounds had advertised to host a super bowl party, it seemed that most of EMU's football fans attended off-campus house or apartment parties, gathered in suites, or watched in the dorm lounges. Wherever the crowds gathered around the television set, there was plenty of food and soda, accompanied by loud uproars of disgust, or jubilant cheers of joy depending on the team who made the play.

For some, the Super Bowl game spurred heightened excitement, as there are many Eagles fans residing on campus, and for those not previously dedicated, the game sparked new interest as many of EMU's students originate from Pennsylvania.

As senior Katie Derstine said, "Normally I don't follow football at all, but since I'm from Philadelphia, I was a little more interested than usual in the game. A bunch of friends came over to my apartment, and we all watched."

For Patriots fans, the game marked the end of the constant drone of diehard Eagles fans. As junior Karl Yoder put it: "Yeah, I wanted the Patriots to win because that'll shut up all the Eagles fans until next year when they lose in the playoffs again."

Those whose primary interest is not football often partake in the Super Bowl viewing for the infamous Super Bowl commercials and half-time, and if not for that, then for the traditional pizza and soda that accompany the game.

Junior Eagles fan Matt Ruth enjoyed the "Don't Judge Them Too Soon" commercials this year, though he said the half-time show "seemed a little toned down this year, but obviously that would have to be the case because of Janet and Justin last year, but the Beatles are still amazing."

Unequivocal moments of excitement were apparent throughout the game.

For junior Steph Derstine, the height of the game was during the final few minutes of the last quarter. "That touchdown by the Eagles was just amazing," she said. I can't believe it took us to only three points behind the Patriots."

For junior Josh Kerr, it was the coming together of a city: "I was very excited to see the city of Philly unite into one mass of fans all supporting their Eagles."