In response to the article, "The players can't take all the credit" written in The Spectrum newspaper, I have to disagree with Joe.
I know that the Bison fans are incredible, but I don't agree they were the "X factor" in the Bison's success this season. Yes, they cheered them on and traveled to Texas in a herd, but so did the fans of the other team.
I also don't believe that Fargo is unique in the way it supports its team. Coming from Minneapolis, I know we have a professional football team, but it seems like the city gets just as caught up, if not more, in the college teams.
You are more likely to hear conversations about how the Gophers are doing than how the Vikings are doing. I believe not only Minneapolis and Fargo, but any town or city that has a college, make the teams part of their family.
I believe the "X factor" is the players. The fans are just the icing on the cake. The football players have to be dedicated all year round to make their team successful.
They have to train and keep their bodies in shape. They have to do summer practice sweating their butts off. They have to practice and play in freezing cold temperatures. The players have to learn all the plays and be able to memorize and execute them.
They have to walk off the field with cuts and bruises and sometimes broken body parts, and then get right back in the game next week. The fans only have to show up for the game and cheer.
I think it is wonderful to acknowledge the fans, but I have to disagree with calling them the "X factor."
Sincerely,
Beth Oelfke
is a member of the 
