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The Daily OrangeYear in Sports | After they went Orange: The senior class saw zero bowl or NCAA Tournament wins. And since Syracuse changed its identity, there's enough disappointment to go around
By Zach Berman
Posted: 4/28/08, 10:29 PM EST Section: Sports
"That was when I was like, 'Wow, people are really upset,'" Natario said.
Even on the road, Natario felt the burn. In Iowa for a football game, fans thanked Otto for coming because the Hawkeyes needed an easy win.
So much of Natario's bitterness results from the expectations. The major teams were so successful before he arrived, and unless the lacrosse team continues its success this season, much of the senior class' time was spent without major triumphs.
"It was very heartbreaking," Natario said. "I'm leaving here, and I'm not too pleased."
***
Max Meisel witnessed Syracuse sports from both sides. As a freshman, Meisel arrived with two goals: transfer into Newhouse and walk onto the football team. President of the United States and curing cancer might have been No. 3 and 4.
In his sophomore year, both happened. He entered into SU's television, radio and film program and convinced head coach Greg Robinson to keep the 5-foot-4, 145-pound fan-favorite on the team as a receiver. One season later, he returned punts in the Carrier Dome.
Meisel sat in the bleachers when Syracuse lost to Florida State in the Dome four years ago and walked off the field at Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium in his sophomore year. Now he strolls around campus as the most recognizable walk-on at the school. He's on stage at comedy shows, in the line at Food.com and in the football locker room.
It gives Meisel a rounded perspective of the pulse of Syracuse sports fans - an attitude that generally derives from the football and basketball teams.
"Look, I know we're not the talk of the town right now," Meisel said. "You take a lot of negativity from people. … When it comes to talking with students, usually the first question I'm asked is, 'What do you think of Robinson?' In the sense of, will he stay or will he go?' Of course that has a negative connotation."
It's part of the deal of being an athlete, he said. If he wasn't on the football team, the same attitude would pop to mind. So when he walks on campus, when he sits in Newhouse or converses with his friends, he knows the questions are coming. And with this senior class, the questions have come too often.
Even on the road, Natario felt the burn. In Iowa for a football game, fans thanked Otto for coming because the Hawkeyes needed an easy win.
So much of Natario's bitterness results from the expectations. The major teams were so successful before he arrived, and unless the lacrosse team continues its success this season, much of the senior class' time was spent without major triumphs.
"It was very heartbreaking," Natario said. "I'm leaving here, and I'm not too pleased."
***
Max Meisel witnessed Syracuse sports from both sides. As a freshman, Meisel arrived with two goals: transfer into Newhouse and walk onto the football team. President of the United States and curing cancer might have been No. 3 and 4.
In his sophomore year, both happened. He entered into SU's television, radio and film program and convinced head coach Greg Robinson to keep the 5-foot-4, 145-pound fan-favorite on the team as a receiver. One season later, he returned punts in the Carrier Dome.
Meisel sat in the bleachers when Syracuse lost to Florida State in the Dome four years ago and walked off the field at Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium in his sophomore year. Now he strolls around campus as the most recognizable walk-on at the school. He's on stage at comedy shows, in the line at Food.com and in the football locker room.
It gives Meisel a rounded perspective of the pulse of Syracuse sports fans - an attitude that generally derives from the football and basketball teams.
"Look, I know we're not the talk of the town right now," Meisel said. "You take a lot of negativity from people. … When it comes to talking with students, usually the first question I'm asked is, 'What do you think of Robinson?' In the sense of, will he stay or will he go?' Of course that has a negative connotation."
It's part of the deal of being an athlete, he said. If he wasn't on the football team, the same attitude would pop to mind. So when he walks on campus, when he sits in Newhouse or converses with his friends, he knows the questions are coming. And with this senior class, the questions have come too often.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
'07 alum
posted 4/29/08 @ 3:00 PM EST
I am so sorry, class of '08...and I thought we had it bad =(
A sad time for all
Marc LeVine
posted 5/01/08 @ 2:37 PM EST
"this year's seniors become mere archived alumni in a database."
This quote, more than any other I have read in the D.O. over the past year, is most disturbing. (Continued…)
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