Goodbye, Gauchos. I’ll miss you.

It’s been two years since I took over as Sports Editor for the first time, and it’s been a wild ride. There’s been the North Carolina basketball game, two rounds of soccer playoffs, some crazy Cal Poly games and a hell of a lot of memories. And over the course of all that craziness, I’ve learned quite a few things.

First of all, Irvine can go to hell. I hate that school, I hate their sports and I hate everything about that place. Between two straight men’s soccer conference tournament bow-outs, several basketball debacles and  countless other catastrophes at the hands of the Anteaters, I’ve had enough of those Orange County commuters to last me a lifetime.

Secondly, the Dome isn’t all that thunderous. I know we aren’t Duke. Hell, we aren’t even New Mexico State. But we have a venue other schools would kill for and a solid team. The least we can do is pack the stands once in a while to get the Gauchos a win. Have you ever been to the Thunderdome when it’s packed? Because it’s a sight to behold. So while I may not be there to reap the benefits, I strongly suggest you pound a forty, get your b-ball spirit in gear and head over to the Corrugated Fortress. It’ll be worth your time.

Third on the list: Soccer is the shit. Hands down, this is our school sport. Between the men’s team’s national dominance and the women’s two straight NCAA berths, who gives a shit that we don’t have a football team? The beautiful game is beautiful here, and I for one am happy about it. Three-time national leaders in attendance for men’s soccer are no fluke, and next year we’re ready to host the whole damn College Cup! If you haven’t already jumped aboard the soccer bandwagon, I suggest you hop on.

Fourth: Gaucho status makes you a VIP at any other UC. “Wait, you’re from Santa Barbara? Have another shot of tequila!” Don’t do it though. Trust me.

And finally, be proud of your school. It’s an amazing place, with fantastic athletes and phenomenal academics. I for one couldn’t be happier with my choice for the last four years. I hope you’re right there with me.