The Ritual of Georgia Troopers Escorting College Football Coaches: A Security Evolution
College football has a long and rich history, and one of its peculiar yet important traditions is the practice of state troopers escorting coaches on and off the field. This article delves into the evolution of this practice, starting with its prominence in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. Understanding why and when this tradition began provides insight into the changing dynamics of college sports and fan behavior.
Origins and Context
The practice of having state troopers escort college football coaches on and off the field mainly gained prominence in the late 20th century. During the 1980s and 1990s, incidents of unruly fan behavior, high-profile threats, media attention, and the professionalization of college sports all contributed to this trend. These factors underscore a broader trend of prioritizing safety in sports environments, adapting to evolving fan engagement and the pressures associated with high-stakes college athletics.
Contributing Factors
1. Fan Behavior
With the growing popularity of college football, instances of unruly fan behavior became more frequent. Confrontations with players and coaches were becoming more common, necessitating extra security measures. Coaches and players required added protection, and escorting them on and off the field by state troopers or police provided a sense of security in an atmosphere where incidents of violence were on the rise.
2. High-Profile Incidents
There were specific instances where coaches faced threats or harassment from fans, leading to increased awareness and the need for stricter security measures. These incidents were often high-profile, and their aftermath generated significant media coverage, drawing attention to the issue and pushing schools to implement enhanced security protocols.
3. Media Attention
The growing media coverage of college football brought more visibility to coaches, making them more recognizable targets for aggressive fans. As coaches became public figures, schools recognized the necessity of providing additional security to protect them from potential threats. This trend was mirrored in other regions, with similar practices adopted to ensure the safety of coaches.
4. Professionalization of College Sports
As college athletics became more commercialized, the stakes of games increased, and the commercial success of teams grew. This meant that the need for enhanced security protocols, similar to those in professional sports, became evident. The transition from amateur to professional standards in college sports led to a greater emphasis on safety and security, particularly for coaches who held a crucial role in team success.
A Personal Experience
Back in the days when I was on the road for 48 weeks out of the year, there was a week that the NCC (National Collegiate Convention) was in Atlanta, along with the annual Freaknik celebration. The city was renting out every car, and I had to take a shuttle to Athens and rent a car at the Athens airport. The rental car turned out to be a pepto-purple Ford Focus, giving me a memorable start to my trip.
The next morning, as I was driving back, I witnessed an unusual scene. A line of six big black Georgia State Police SUV Cruisers were driving the other way on the highway towards Athens, followed by four buses and then eight more GA SUV Cruisers, all traveling at high speeds. This was evident during the weekend when Alabama was playing against Georgia in Athens. I was taken aback, as this was far from my previous experiences in the SWC/Big 12 conferences, which I found intense but not as dramatic.
Conclusion
The practice of state troopers escorting college football coaches on and off the field is a reflection of the evolving dynamics of college sports. It highlights the increasing importance of safety and security in the face of rising fan behavior concerns, high-profile incidents, media attention, and the professionalization of college sports. This tradition, while rooted in the late 20th century, continues to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of college athletics.
About the Author
The author of this article has personal experience with the changing dynamics of college sports, having visited Athens to work with a hospital during the NCC period, providing a unique perspective on the issues surrounding fan behavior and security.