Fall
"In its center lies an x, where the journey begins. The x is insignificant to most, and more often than not overlooked. It appears as a glimmer of hope, a uniting force among an overwhelming sea of separation; it is the heart. It is surrounded by 19 white lines that shoot across a field of green like stars across the sky, 38 hash marks that withstand the tests of time, and 3360 footsteps; each one telling a different story of someone elses journey. A journey that embraces blood, sweat, tears, and most importantly love, the love of the field. When most people think of a football field, they think of the players and the coaches, or remember family gatherings on Labor Day weekend; but never the marching bands or drum corps that bring the field to life, those who take it beyond its limitations of being just a football field. Those who work for hours upon hours to reach perfection for just 15 minutes, those who live for it and dedicate there lives to it. To me a football field is not just another field; it is a home away from home. It is a place where no matter where I am or what I am doing, I know that someone has stood where I stand who knows exactly what it feels like to take pride in a field, to show it so much respect and to dedicate so much of your time and energy for a touch of perfection. When you can march no longer, you know that are only able to share that experience with those who have gone through it the same way that you have, through the blood, sweat, and tears. The x stands as a guide, in the exact center of the field, but it is so much more than that. It represents everything that we as performers hold dear, and it brings people together regardless of ones race, religion, age, or gender. No matter what field you end up at will find that x you are looking for, you will find your way home." - Robert Gagnon