By The Cardinal Bird

Most people know who I am. I am kind of a big deal here at this fine University of Louisville. I have graced the sidewalks, been featured on billboards and signs across campus, and even have my own bronze statue out front of Cardinal Arena, which like this newspaper, is named after me. I embody the University of Louisville and never ask for anything in return.

I have swung out of the ceiling of Freedom Hall, crowd surfed over thousands of less than sober fans at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, and jumped out of a perfectly fine airplane just to do an aerial “cards cheer” before a Kentucky or West Virginia football game.

Perhaps last January was one of my most defining moments as your mascot when I was on stage during the presentation of the championship trophy at the FedEx Orange Bowl.

There is nothing I enjoy more than cheering on my athletic teams, and getting the fans pumped up for the big game. Win or lose, whether it is 20 or 100 degrees outside, I am always proud to call myself the Cardinal. I go buzzer to buzzer in hopes that my enthusiasm will make the game experience that much better for fans and players alike.

Lately however, I feel that I am at a disadvantage. It seems that the games become less and less “electric” in the arenas and stadiums I frequent. I support our Cards no matter what and I expect true fans would to. And some do. It hurts however to see that one or two bad performances by any our of amazing athletic teams has such a huge impact on the game day vibe in following games.

I am afraid of the day when I get dropped on my head while crowd surfing because that one fan decided we were up or down by too many points and his presence was unimportant. I am scared of the day when my C-A-R-D-S cheer just looks like a series of funky arm jesters mixed with mild seizure because there is no intensity behind the people spelling it out. I have faith however, that these days are far away.

I know that the student body will come around, that the fans will gain their second wind, and with the way our athletics program is heading, the crowd will regain the intensity associated with Final Fours and College World Series and then some.

The CARDS cheers will become deafening, and the student section, win or lose, will be packed, on their feet and always rowdier than Rupp Arena. I look forward to these days; that is for sure.

My charge to readers of this column is to realize this is our university and our athletic teams; to take pride in being a student and a fan of the University of Louisville. That being said, feel free to give me a high five at a game, maybe start a “don’t drop the Bird” chant at a basketball game, or just come out completely excited about the sporting event you are supporting. I guess that is all for now, see you at the game and GO CARDS.