As Prairie View quarterback K. J. Black kneeled down and the final seconds ticked off the clock, cheerleaders, student leaders, and members of the Marching Storm joined the football players and coaches on the field to celebrate one momentous moment.
“It felt so exhilarating,” said senior communications major Alyssa Rhodes. “I was so overwhelmed with joy and pride all at the same time. I ran onto the field and congratulated all the football players.” In the background you could see the Tiger football team leaving the field as the Panther faithful jumped and ran around. The scene of teary-eyed faces and pressure-releasing laughter made everyone realize how much of a weight had lifted off the shoulders of the team, alums, administration, and the student body.
“Speechless,” said senior agriculture economics major Bobby Smith III. “I’ve been to the PV-Grambling game 15 years straight and I never thought we were going to beat them. Speechless!” “I just think it is amazing,” said senior psychology major Aida Fall. “I think this game really brought that real school pride back.”
While students at field level enjoyed us time on the playing surface for a celebration, other Panthers used the local Greek after parties or restaurants to extend the excitement. “I was awestruck,” said senior mechanical engineering major Cecil Shy, Jr. “I couldn’t figure out if it was reality or a figment of my imagination until I left the stands.” For the students and alum who didn’t make the anticipated event, the pure enjoyment of that phone call and text message did the trick.
Some students like Johnathan Vann couldn’t make it to the game, but listened intensely over the radio. “When I finally realized we won I was real excited,” said Vann. “I think I ran right downstairs to pour me a glass to celebrate.” Whether you were there in person or received that memorable call, you definitely will remember this one for years to come.
Most students don’t recall the last time Prairie View had won a game, had a winning season or let alone had a real shot to beat Grambling State, but they won’t easily doubt their precious Panthers again.
“It felt like I was in Any Given Sunday – the Prairie View edition,” said senior animal science major Aziza Glass. “The rain, flood lights, intensity, and grit all added to the feeling of the game. It literally felt like I was a part of a movie.”
As the athletic department, and specifically the football program, rolls into the next scene, they can be sure that the pride created by this win will roll with them.