Last Thursday, I ventured to New York City, where I met up with college friends to watch our alma mater, Syracuse University, play in the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl. During my four years, SU was far from renowned for its excellent football team. My tenure coincided with the Carmelo Anthony heyday, and my freshman year was the year we won the NCAA National Championship. Football paled in comparison, so it was exciting to celebrate a reasonably noteworthy season. And it was nice that the game was held at Yankee Stadium, so I was able to actually attend. It was a cold day, but I was bundled up, decked out in Otto-adorned hat, scarf and gloves. Otto is SU’s beloved orange (like the fruit) mascot. The guys next to us were kind enough to share their Grabber hand warmers  with us. Have any of you used these things? They were seriously amazing — and still warm hours after the game had ended. The best part of the day was Syracuse’s victory! It was a back-and-forth game. Whenever we scored a touchdown, they responded. We were up by 8 when the opponent, Kansas State, sprinted 30 yards to score a touchdown. Obviously planning to attempt the two-point conversion, the team was shocked when the wide receiver’s touchdown salute to the crowd earned an unsportsmanlike conduct ruling, forcing Kansas back 15 yards. As an SU fan, I had no problem with the call. The Orange went on to beat the Wildcats 36-34. Go Orange! — Kim Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive