Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl was postponed after a terrorist attack in New Orleans. The game was played, and as outlined by the South Bend Tribune, carried significant emotions for fans. Throughout history, sporting events have been instrumental in helping communities heal from catastrophes. In 2021, the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics released a study, specifically examining the role of collegiate athletics in post-disaster community support. For college students and emerging adults, collegiate athletics can provide important elements that foster healing after a community-based trauma. For example, the ability to bring a community together, exhibiting signs of solidarity, and developing symbols of remembrance are all things that sporting events can easily provide; however, many young adults can’t obtain these on their own. Below are three notable examples in which college football provided a certain element of healing following a terrorist attack in the United States.
The 102nd Army Versus Navy Game (Bringing A Community Together)
December of 2001 was the first Army versus Navy football game following the terrorists’ attacks on September 11, 2001. The game was played in Philadelphia, and even though the Army football team entered the game with just two wins, and the Navy team was winless, this event brought together significant parts of the country. A 2011 report on Navysports.com indicated that Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Enberg called the game for the first time in his career. A 2021 report on Profootballhof.com indicated that this Army-Navy game was the first time a U.S. president attended the game since 1996. Furthermore, according to a 2024 report on 911memorial.org, this football game drew more television viewers than any college football game in the 2000–2010 decade. (This report also noted that two of the players in the game were later killed in action during their military careers).
Army won the game by a score of 26-17, but the emotional significance of bringing together much of the country is immeasurable. In 2024, the American Psychological Association released a report highlighting the importance of strengthening social support in coping with stressors, which includes trauma. Given the proper context and timing, attending a sporting event following a traumatic event might allow many young adults to experience a sense of connection with their communities.
East Carolina University Versus Viriginia Tech (A Show of Solidarity)
On September 1, 2007, the football teams of ECU and Viriginia Tech played the first game on the VT campus since the horrifying campus shootings earlier that year. VT won the game by a score of 17-7, but the event was highlighted by an unprecedented show of solidarity. ESPN GameDay was at the event, and according to a 2007 report on ECUpirates.com, ECU was allowed to run on the field at the same time as VT during the traditional “Enter Sandman” introduction. A report that year by the local news outlet Wral.com described how the ECU marching band wore ribbons in remembrance of the victims, and that ECU donated $100,000 to Virginia Tech’s memorial fund. This report included a quote from an alumni stating this game might have been the first time a visiting team received cheers from the VT fans.
Exhibiting signs of solidarity is an important aspect of recovery following a community-based trauma. After the attack in New Orleans, the president of the University of Notre Dame issued a statement and described the spirit of the university as being in solidarity with those who are suffering. Many young adults who experience a traumatic event might feel alone, and such signs of solidarity can help to reduce this negative feeling.
San Diego State University Versus University of Las Vegas (Symbols of Remembrance)
On October 7, 2017, and following a mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip earlier that month, a football game was held between SDSU and UNLV. This game was inundated with signs of remembrance. A report that year on NCAA.com indicated that both teams placed red ribbons decals on their helmets with the words “Las Vegas” on them. The report also indicated that a 100-yard American Flag covered the filed during the national anthem to honor first responders. A report that week on ESPN.com, indicated that a victim of the shooting flipped the coin toss, and this report outlined various other symbols, including a pre-game ceremony. ESPN.com also reported that SDSU won the game by a score of 41-10.
Rituals and signs of remembrance are vital in coping with trauma. A 2019 report on PsychologyToday.com highlighted the power of rituals in coping with grief. Many young adults struggle to verbalize their emotions following a traumatic event, and rituals can help foster the acknowledgment of emotions. Again, given the proper context and timing, participating in a ritual at a sporting event might be a comfortable option to facilitate coping for many young adults.
The impact of a terrorist attack is an unimaginable tragedy, and full healing and recovery might not be possible. However, it’s important for those affected by such tragedies to experience elements that are known to foster healing. In America, college football can provide some of these factors.
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