Heading out as a Bronco

By Chris Furnari

Summing up four years as a Bronco in my last column isn't exactly a walk in the park, but I am going to try.

As a freshman, I entered Santa Clara like most -- lost and unsure of how the next four years would play out. As a cross country and track athlete, the transition from high school meant only one thing: more work.

Months passed, friendships were made, classes were dropped mid-quarter, parties were attended, the running was terrible, and I got a quick crash course in responsibility.

Sophomore year was different. A tireless summer of running 80 miles per week and waking up at 6 a.m. to work as an electrician toughened me up fast. My grades improved, the running was better and I finally ditched my high school girlfriend -- good times.

During my junior year I became a journalist. I started as a reporter and worked my way up to the sports editor position and this column. I moved off campus, finally turned 21 and started to think about the "real world."

Campus has changed. I woke up to jackhammers during the construction of Kennedy Commons. Orradre was demolished and Campisi was remodeled. Stephen Schott Stadium was built, while Buck Shaw and Stanton Field received face-lifts. Now, construction continues on the new business building and aquatic center.

Dick Davey "retired." Michelle Bento-Jackson was fired, then re-hired, and then fired again. The men's basketball team defeated North Carolina and also ended Gonzaga's home win streak.

I've made the 2 a.m. walk home from C & J's. I've made the late-night runs to In-N-Out. I've pulled all-nighters cramming for finals. I've made friends and enemies. I've made good decisions and bad ones.

Somehow it's all been worth it.

As I leave Santa Clara, I can't help but think about how much everything will change in the next four years. New buildings will be built, new students will arrive, coaches will leave and the times will fly by.

College is not about who can get the best grades. It's not about keeping the status quo. It's about challenging the future and creating memories. It's about making connections that will last a lifetime.

It's about cheering so loud during a game that you lose your voice. It's about making mistakes and learning from them. It's about spending four years of your life, seemingly lost, and leaving with a sense of direction.

It's about embracing changes. Because after all, "once a Bronco, always a Bronco."