
Road Trip: FSU (cont.)Posted: Tuesday May 1, 2007 11:23AM; Updated: Tuesday May 1, 2007 11:34AM Best place to be among FSU's wildest fans:
Take your pick. Florida State is known for its athletic programs. We have amazing athletes in all fields of competition, and with that kind of prestige and heritage come die hard fans. The Animals of Section B (baseball), Al's Pals (Basketball) and the entire student section (football) will rock any sports venue. Intruders beware, because this is Seminole territory, and when you mess with one Nole you mess with the whole tribe. Best place to see FSU athletes: A.J. Sports Bar & Grill. Some of Tally's cream of the crop can be found hanging out at A.J.'s during their respective off-seasons. I won't name names, but it's a good thing a certain footballer plays other sports, because his billiard skills leave something to be desired. Especially when he gets beat by the likes of one of my cowgirls. Best place to say a pregame prayer: Unconquered Statue. We have the Seminole Tribe's permission to use its traditions as symbols of our university. The use of the name is to honor the bravery, courage and strength these people demonstrated in fighting for their own personal freedom against persecution by the government. To this day, they still remain, "unconquered," and thus FSU has maintained a close partnership with the tribe and pay tribute to them throughout the campus, but particularly the outskirts of Doak Campbell with the Unconquered Statue. It is not at all uncommon to see groups of athletes gathered around Chief Osceola as the flame is lit for home (and some very crucial away) games. Best place to "study": Landis Green. Whether you've got a psych test on Tuesday or a math midterm on Monday, Landis Green is a great place to not only cram for calculus, but to study a little anatomy as well. Every day dozens of sunbathing sorority girls can be found catching some rays while they brush up on their lessons. Looks like the grounds crew aren't the only ones that make Landis Green one of the prettiest places on campus. Best rite of passage for students: The Westcott Fountain. You only turn 21 once, and Tallahassee does it in style. While most kids would consider a night out on the town a more than adequate birthday celebration, Florida State kids prefer to take a swim. Whether by choice or by force, they choose to greet their new era by taking a dip in one of Tallahassee's most notorious bodies of water. Hidden gem: Club Publix. Normally the hardest decision you face when you go to the grocery store is paper or plastic. But imagine a place where shopping is more than just a pleasure, it's a place to meet your future ex-girlfriend. Some of the hottest girls in Tallahassee can be found as close as your nearest grocer's freezer. So now it's not just paper or plastic ... it's blonde, brunette or redhead. Best sports team nobody knows about: FSU rugby. Nowhere else will you find a more unique group of male "athletes." The bash brothers of Tallahassee fearlessly rock short shorts and aren't afraid to hit hard, and with no protection ... pads are overrated! But FSU rugby is more than just a team; it's a brotherhood of rag-tag athletes. Only after a player scores their first "try" can they conduct his "Zulu," where at the post-game social, the "Zulu warrior" strips down to his birthday suit and does a naked lap around the party. Upon the ritual's completion, the remainder of the group showers him with beer and a traditional song. The 2005 USA Rugby South Division Champions flew to California to play in the National Elite 8 Tournament. The team has since continued to build and strive for greatness. After all, they are the best substitute for football, for a town that lives on it. And besides that, they can party with the best of them. Most unique weekend tradition: Spring weekend (Panama City). Imagine the entire student population of Florida State, relocated to the sunny beaches of Panama City for three days of fun in the sun. At extremely discounted prices, it's the spring break for those that need another dose of freedom before finals. So don't forget to bring the sunscreen and camera, because it's a weekend you will never forget. Best thing you'll only find at FSU: Circus School. This past spring marked the 60th Anniversary of The FSU Flying High Circus. While it's void of any "animal acts," it does feature Florida State's finest in aerial and stage performances. The students not only perform but they also rig the tent and design their own costumes. The best part of this one-of-a-kind circus? It's also worth college credit hours. Further proof the circus can be fun for children of all ages. Best way to get in shape: Doak Campbell Stadiums. There is a reason the football team runs stadiums even during the off-season: It's probably one of the toughest workouts tuition can buy. 83 steps of brutal agony, the single-level slope of Doak Campbell is pure torture at first, but the results are amazing. Hell, between them and spring practice, our offensive line has lost a combined 200-plus pounds. Maybe Rick Trickett is onto something... someone get this man a deal for a reality fitness show!! And of course, the biggest perk of all is the view from the top. Biggest rivalry: The Gators. There is no love lost for the "other Florida school." If you are THAT kid that wears orange and blue on Florida State's campus, don't be surprised if you are subjected to a public tar and feathering. They can brag all they want about their national championships and how they offer a higher education... at least I can say I attend one of the top party schools in the nation. Famous Alumni:Jim Morrison, singer/songwriter, The Doors Creed - Sure they may not be together anymore, but you can still hear them on pretty much any "office" soft-rock station. Still, there is something about Higher that gets me motivated. Lee Corso, broadcaster, ESPN - One of Florida State's favorite familiar faces around the table every college game day, that is until he puts on the visiting team's mascot head. Burt Reynolds, actor, Boogie Nights, The Longest Yard, The Dukes Of Hazzard, Deliverance. (You have to admit.. the man DOES have a purdy mouth. ) Richard Simmons, fitness expert - Spandex. Need I say more?... Gabrielle Reese, professional volleyball player and model - Further proof that Florida State girls are some of the most beautiful women you will ever meet. Deion Sanders, football legend - Who else has the guts to say, "Does a cheetah stretch before he kills his prey?" when asked why he didn't warm up before a game. 2 of 2 | |||
|
| |||