BEDLAM
bedlam
[ bed-luhm ]Phonetic (Standard)IPA
noun
Picture this: it’s a frigid December morning with a biting wind that cuts right through you. The ground is covered in a slick layer of ice as we make our way to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for Bedlam. The temperature gauge hasn’t budged above 3 degrees Fahrenheit during our two-hour drive, and the car’s heater is working overtime just to keep us from turning into popsicles.
We arrive early and find a spot at the well-known gas station on Duck and Hall of Fame, notorious for its “$49.99 Keystone Keg with a free bag of ice” deal. It’s a staple in town for many any college student, and today is no exception. The excitement in the air is palpable, but all we can think about is bracing ourselves against the cold.
Both of us are bundled up in what feels like every piece of clothing we own. Gone are the hopes of dressing to impress. Instead, we look like marshmallows with all the layers we’re wearing. Our only goal is to stay warm. My Okie brain is second-guessing our choices, thinking maybe we should have opted for some hunter orange coveralls instead. But here we are, shivering yet determined.
As we make our way to the stadium, memories of past Bedlam games flood my mind. It’s 2013, and the Cowboys are once again projected to win. However, being a lifelong Cowboy fan means I know better than to get my hopes up. Historically, being the favorite often spells disaster for us.
To be a Cowboy fan over the decades is to become intimately acquainted with disappointment. It wasn’t until the last 15 years or so that we started expecting more than just the occasional win against all odds or a rare trouncing of the Sooners during an otherwise losing season. The highs and lows of fandom are something we wear like a badge of honor, each loss a story to be told and retold.
During the game, the temperature peaks at a balmy 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold is relentless, but so is our spirit. David, who’s not as familiar with the Cowboy traditions, gets an immersive experience. I’m a full-participation college sports spectator, so every chant, cheer, and fight song is met with my enthusiastic involvement. I can’t help it; it’s in my blood. Especially when it comes to my Cowboys!
We huddle together in the stands, trying to keep warm and finding solace in the camaraderie of fellow fans. The game is intense, and the cold only adds to the drama. Every play is a battle, and every cheer feels like a victory against the icy grip of winter.
Despite the freezing temperatures, the energy in the stadium is electric. Fans are united in their love for the team, and in moments like these, the cold doesn’t matter. What matters is being part of something bigger, a community of fans who understand the heartache and the joy of being a Cowboy fan.
As the game progresses, the excitement builds. The outcome is uncertain, but our hope and dedication never waver. This is what it means to be a fan – enduring the elements, embracing the highs and lows, and standing by your team no matter what.
In the end, it’s not just about the game. It’s about the memories we make, the traditions we uphold, and the shared experience of being part of the Cowboy family. On that frigid December day, we were more than just spectators; we were part of a legacy, one that’s defined by resilience, passion, and unwavering support for our team.
