David Byas-Smith, a senior computer-science major from Atlanta, helps preserve an important tradition at Georgia Tech — the program’s 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe. Since he has been a student, Byas-Smith has never witnessed Tech beat Georgia in football. Here’s his view of what the team and fans need to do to make that happen in 2013.
As a sophomore, I joined the Ramblin’ Reck Club and this year serve as club president. We promote history, spirit and traditions on campus. One of our main responsibilities is to protect the Ramblin’ Wreck.
There’s a legend that if a freshman touches the Wreck, we’ll lose to Georgia in football that fall. We’ve taken the Wreck to countless events this year, but we’ve done a good job keeping the freshman away from it.
Before the game, the Wreck leads the team down Yellow Jacket Alley. Later, the Wreck leads the band into the stadium down Freshmen Hill. Reck Club has a block of seats on the front row of the north end zone while a few members stand with the Wreck in the corner of the south end zone. The Georgia game is especially exciting for the club. “Clean Old Fashioned Hate” didn’t get its name for no reason. Reck Club will be alert and will do whatever it takes to make sure the Wreck is safe.
Almost every year against Georgia, Tech is framed as the underdog. We are capable of beating them, but it will take a complete, solid performance in all aspects of our play. It’s so important to get off to a good start against any opponent, but especially Georgia. Some games this year have been flat after we haven’t gotten off to a good start; the air just seems to be sucked out of the whole game and stadium.
If the team doesn’t get off to a good start, we can’t lose heart. If the team ends up in a hole, they can’t give up either. They’ve got to keep on fighting.
Last year, I made it to all the home and away football games. The UGA game in particular is one I want to forget.
I am hoping this last game, the Yellow Jackets will get a win and this will be a good way to go out. Seniors in Reck Club take turns during the season riding onto the field in the Wreck, our biggest honor. I have never gotten a “rideout” in Atlanta, and at the UGA game, I will sit shotgun. If we win, it will be insane.
