I got there early and was treated to the front row right in between the mats, which still allowed me to see both mats rather well without the table obstructing my view. It was my first time in JPJ and I was impressed by the layout for the event.

Given that I was one of the first seated I was hoping that I would be surrounded by some of the many Hokies that I saw when entering. However, a large group of NC State fans found their way into the seats just behind me. I didn't think much of it at the time, however I would later deeply regret this.

I am not the type to complain much, but these fans gave me a very bad perception of NC State fans. I understand that it doesn't mean all fans are like them, however impressions aren't good at this time. I have no problems with being loud and cheering on your team, and would deeply encourage others to do so, however there were a couple behind me that were a bit more aggressive.

At the moment that Donahue pinned Sal I was on the edge of my seat, and then sulked back into my seat just after the pin, when suddenly I was forcibly hit on both of my shoulders simultaneously no fewer than 3 times by one of the women behind me. A bit shocked, and understanding the emotions at play, I was unsure of how to react, and didn't turn around, or acknowledge it at first, as I was trying to make sure that I approached the situation with tact. I thought, do I just caulk it up as an emotional response and let it go? Or do I say something politely, knowing that this may incur even louder screaming than I had been receiving (which at the time I didn't think was possible). I also considered that there would be several more closely contested matches between the two teams coming up, and I didn't want this treatment to continue.

So after waiting a minute for the crowd to calm and emotions to settle, I turned to the lady seated behind me and politely asked that she please refrain from hitting or touching me again, as I didn't feel that it was appropriate. She was puzzled with my request, so I added that I would imagine she wouldn't like it if I hit her. To which her response was that she is seated behind me, and that I am in front of her, so her act is justified. I was rather taken aback by this statement, and just reiterated my wish to not be hit again in the future, and suggested that we both could respectfully root for our individual teams without making it physical.

Well indeed my worries were proven correct, they proceeded to be even louder the rest of the tourney. They were even leaning in to my head level at times to scream in my ear. I am sure those in attendance know the fans of which I am referring to. These fans certainly stood out, and I commend them for their school spirit and excitement. I just wish that I hadn't been on the receiving end. I even thought about changing seats, however my stubbornness couldn't give in and not only give up great seats, but I couldn't give them the satisfaction.

I was actually dreading the finals, and really hoping that our men would pull out some of the upsets so that I wouldn't have to hear it. In the end it was still a great experience, despite the splitting headache. While this will be one of my worst fan experiences (from a sober crowd (I have been to WVU several times)), I will try not to stero-type all NCSU fans. It would have been really nice to have pulled off the victory here, but I do give credit to where it is due. NCSU looked good in the finals, hopefully next time we will be as aggressive with them as we were in the dual.

I am hesitant to bring this up, but given that others have commented on the NC st. fans I wanted to see if my incident was isolated or rather the norm.