by The Post-Standard

Back in 1984, the Syracuse University football team, a huge underdog, defeated No. 1-ranked Nebraska inside the Carrier Dome in front of more than 47,000 roaring fans. Before the closing of Manley Field House in 1980, Orange basketball followers watched SU string together a 57-game winning streak at home. The Syracuse lacrosse team, cheered indoors and out on the Syracuse campus, has won 10 NCAA titles, and counting.

What's the point, you ask? The one element that never gets enough credit for these successes has been the loyal support shown the Orange teams by those many fans who've made playing in this town so difficult for SU's foes.

Coach Doug Marrone has accepted his challenge to return the Syracuse football program, which begins the 2009 season on Sept. 5 against Minnesota, to its previously respected level. We can do our part to accelerate that process by swallowing hard and showing a willingness to come aboard -- or to come back again -- and be with this program starting with that home opener. We can make the Loud House roar!

On Sept. 20, 1980, a crowd of 50,564 attended the SU-Miami (Ohio) contest in the first-ever game played in the Dome. That remains the building's attendance record. Why not make it our town's goal to break that record at Marrone's debut against Minnesota?

The dismal days must be forgotten or forgiven. Then our pride from that listed above can return ... sooner rather than later.

Leo Eisner

Fayetteville

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