Jason Jones
CU Chancellor Phil DiStefano steals the show returning from Fort Worth
The Colorado vs. TCU game was full of memorable moments. From Shedeur Sanders' 510 passing yards to Dylan Edwards' three-touchdown day and the excitement of winning a game, most didn't think the Buffs would win. However, the fun did not stop when the game ended.
After the post-game festivities, "The Herd" moved on to the airport to catch a return flight back to Denver. Then, after further investigation, it seemed everyone at the gate was a Colorado fan. Among those fans was a familiar face. University of Colorado Chancellor Phillip DiStefano was along for the ride.
While we waited for the ground crew to check the brake system on the plane, DiStefano was chatting with fans in the aftermath of the biggest win in some time for CU. It was a lovely sight to see. He spoke with anyone and everyone who approached him.
Moments later, I noticed an airport bar directly to my left that had some patrons that looked to be CU fans as well. What happened next, I did not expect. With my head down, I could start to hear someone quietly trying to organize people or at least their voices. He was a significantly tall gentleman with a black CU shirt and two-tone CU hat on backward with his backpack still over his shoulders. Then, with no warning whatsoever, the group to my immediate left began loudly singing the CU Fight song.
At first, I didn’t quite register what was happening. Once I recognized “shoulder 2 shoulder” I knew exactly what was going on. I frantically tried to record the remainder of the song from inside the terminal. Shortly thereafter, we began to board the flight home.
This wasn’t the first time I’ve seen DiStefano in person, and as I am in Boulder often to cover CU, I was sure it wouldn’t be the last time. I make my way onto the plane, say my pleasantries to the pilot and stewards, and turn the corner to take my way to my seat. I happened to look down and see DiStefano looking right at me. I give him the customary head nod and extend my hand to shake and say a few words. Nothing long-winded, the moment was over, and I got to my seat. That path to my seat confirmed what I hoped was true. Every single person on this flight except for four were all CU fans who traveled to see the game.
As the flight was nearing its end, the pilot came over the loudspeaker to announce we were making our final descent into Denver. I’ve been on hundreds of flights, so this is nothing abnormal. Standard operating procedure with tray tables up, you know the drill. What I didn’t consider was our group organizer from the terminal, who is about ten rows ahead of me.
Even when I saw him stand up, I didn’t think anything of it as I started collecting my things from the seat back in front of me when that same sound started bellowing through the cabin. Our crowd organizer wasn’t using the restroom. He was getting ready to strike again. And just like that, the ENTIRE plane is singing the CU Fight Song as loud as possible. I look up and back, and there is about 95% participation.
If the plane was bouncing through the air to the beat of FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT... I would not have been surprised. It was resounding and fantastic.
As the pilot taxis into the gate and brings the plane to a stop, everyone is in plane departure mode, waiting for the seat belt light to turn off. Then, as is customary, the pilot comes over the speakers again. This is your typical local weather update you hear on just about every flight you’ve ever been on. My brain even tries to anticipate the message. Welcome to Denver, where the local temperature is 75 degrees. Thanks for flying. Instead, the pilot had a different, more focused idea.
Pilot: “I’d like to thank you for flying, Welcome back to Boulder (even though it's actually Denver), where the local temperature is WINNING!...GO BUFFS!!!" Queue the passengers scream cheering again, which was great. Needless to say, the pilot knew his audience and played to the crowd. It was one of the best landings to exit I have ever experienced.