I agree with Mr. Marks' assessment of the near castration of a Texas fan. But to generalize "fans" as "lacking" something in their personal life and needing "therapy," simply because of a shared bond and rooting interest, is preposterous.

Mr. Marks, the majority of fans of any form of sport are "realistically not a part of" any team. I ask you: Whom then, are teams playing for? If fans shouldn't have an opinion or interest, what is the point of sport?

As inexplicable as the rabidity and obsession of fans can appear to the non-fan, I think sports act as a representation of community. When a fan refers to his or her team as "us," it doesn't always signify a repressed daydream or unfulfilled childhood desire to play, but in most cases, suggests a harmony with the team that represents his or her city or school.

By that token, Mr. Marks: if you're already suffering from people discussing Penn State football in the second week of your freshman year, you're in for a long and torturous four years. I suggest "staying in your room" and taking classes on World Campus.

At least this way you won't be "mutilated" by the enthusiasm of your university.

Dave Brensinger
Class of 2004