Why We Believe

By: Dara Bitler 

Everyone has something they believe in. As a member of the K-State family, I believe in K-State.

With the 2014 football season approaching, our belief in Bill Snyder is at an all time high. If someone were to ask me why I believe in Bill Snyder, it would be an easy explanation.

Bill Snyder is one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football. He gives the K-State fan base something to believe in. He has proven time and time again that he take can a program that is in shambles and turn it into something magical.

Bill Snyder would be my definition of a legend. He has dedicated his entire life to better our university and football team. He has not only touched the lives of his players and staff, but also the lives of the students on campus and K-State fans around the world.

Unselfish, genuine, and determined are just a few words that I would use to describe Bill Snyder. He carries the entire K-State family on his back and never takes credit for any of the success. Bill Snyder is truly amazing.

The way Bill Snyder lives his life is easily reflected in the 16 Goals he instills in his football players.

1. Commitment
2. Unselfishness
3. Unity
4. Improve
5. Be Tough
6. Self-Discipline
7. Great Effort
8. Enthusiasm
9. Eliminate Mistakes
10. Never Give Up
11. Don’t Accept Losing
12. No Self Limitations
13. Expect to Win
14. Consistency
15. Leadership
16. Responsibility

Just imagine how successful we’d all be if we chose to follow this list of goals.

When I look back to my freshman year at K-State, I could never forget what it was like to attend a football game when Ron Prince was the head coach. I’m certainly glad that it was the only year I had to witness that type of football.  I remember going to a few game where I couldn’t even stand to be there for more than a quarter of football. During most games the stands would be nearly empty following halftime. The tension on campus was so thick you could cut it with a knife. We had nothing to believe in.

When Bill Snyder returned to K-State, he gave us all something to believe in. We’d seen him rebuild a team before and we all knew that he could do it again. It hasn’t taken long for us to witness the power 

of Bill Snyder.

From a Big 12 Championship to winning the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl 31-14 against Michigan, we’ve watched Bill Snyder put the pieces back together for K-State Football.

I have no reason to believe this season is going to be any different, I believe this season is going to be special. I believe in Bill Snyder.

BRING ON THE CATS!

Be sure to check out my weekly colum, The Wabash Line, on The Salute. 

Being A Wildcat

By: Dara Bitler 

I’m a Wildcat. It’s something I don’t have to think about, I just know it. My blood is purple, my passion, endless.

Those that know me could never imagine that I grew up as anything other than a Wildcat. I spent the majority of my younger years in a community in Missouri where being anything other than a Tiger fan would make you an outcast. While that still rings true for the majority of my family, I’m now considered the outcast.

It all started during my junior year of high school. I moved to Kansas but never really knew much about Kansas schools. I went on a visit to K-State and from that day forward, I became a Wildcat.

Attending K-State was the best experience of my life. There’s no feeling more powerful than walking into a packed parking lot, filled with your entire K-State family at the Bill on a Saturday afternoon. Hearing Crazytrain blasting through the speakers gives me chills. There’s so much tradition, from the clanking of keys at the start of a game to singing the Alma Mater song at the end of the game. I think I only knew “Hail, Hail, Hail, Alma Mater” for the first 4 years I sang it. There was always a chance I stood behind someone wearing the shirt with the words on the back of it and then, of course, I belted out the entire song. The Sandstorm in Bramlage during a close game is an experience that is hard to top. Just imagine a roaring crowd of thousands of students, jumping up and down, screaming “KSU, KSU, KSU” as they pound their fists in the air. It’s awesome!

On the days I’m not working, my choice of clothing isn’t decided like most girls, I have to choose which K-State T-Shirt I will wear. On game days that I’m not attending, you will find me head-to-toe in K-State gear. My personal favorite is my K-State snuggie. I was once on a K-State commercial doing the Wabash in my snuggie in the front row of a K-State men’s basketball game.

If you see a girl frantically waving at you while you’re driving down the road, it’s probably because I saw a powercat on your car or a K-State license plate. It’s amazing how many people you can meet anywhere in the United States that are K-State fans!

Being a fan is a way of life. The entire K-State nation is my family. Therefore, I will cheer when they cheer. I will grieve when they grieve. I will hope when they’re hopeful (even when they’re not, I’ll still hope). Win or lose, I’m a Wildcat.

There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Kansas State University. I love my school and I love the Wildcat way of life.

It’s almost football time! BRING ON THE CATS!

Be sure to check out my weekly column, The Wabash Line on The Salute.