I have always been a closet fan

Thirty-seven years ago I sat in the stands at Reno H. Sales Stadium and watched the Montana State Bobcats beat Rhode Island to advance to the NCAA Division I-AA title game.

It was the last time I cheered in public for the Bobcats.

A few weeks later I got a part-time job at the Bozeman Chronicle as a sportswriter and began my newspaper career. Being objective in my reporting was of the upmost importance. I was no longer a fan, but I now got paid to go to games, sit in the best seat in the house, and write about the outcome.

I eventually became features editor at the Chronicle and wore a lot of different hats, but I still covered Bobcat home games for the Associated Press until I left Bozeman.

It’s one of the few parts of my old job I miss. It didn’t get much better than eating fried chicken in the press box while watching college football on a Saturday afternoon.

It was also quiet. There is no cheering in the press box. It’s a rule, albeit an unspoken one, that sportswriters -- typically a somber lot -- have little difficulty obeying.

Although at times I would have liked to hoot and holler, getting paid not to guaranteed my silence.

Fast forward to last Saturday’s FCS semifinal playoff game between the Bobcats and South Dakota State. I watched the game on television with my wife, and like I do every time I watch the Cats on TV, I hollered and yelled from the opening kickoff until the final buzzer.

Had I been in attendance at the game it might have been different. Too many years sitting quietly in the press box ruined public celebration at sporting events for me. I’m afraid I might miss something that I’ll be asked about later.

However, sitting at home, far-removed what is now called Bobcat Stadium, and fueled by more than one adult beverage, I’m a loud, obnoxious fan. I wouldn’t want to sit next to me.

In a state where you’re either Cat or Griz, I’m firmly the former. After all, for years Montana State fed me and gave me the best seat in the house.

I was always a closet fan.

It just took me a long time to come out.

Go Cats!

Parker Heinlein is at [email protected]