Indianapolis Colts Training Camp Opens
Thousands of fans from all over the United States made their way to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute on Monday to see the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the 2009 season.
Amongst the fans in attendance was Gary Houston of Indianapolis who traveled to Terre Haute to support his favorite Colts players. Supporting the Colts is not a new hobby of Gary's; in fact, Gary was awarded the 12th Man award in 2008 by the Indianapolis Colts for his practically perfect attendance to Colts home games. Gary has attended 203 of the 206 home games the Colts have played since they moved to Indianapolis.
Gary's dedication to football began when he was young. He used to write to players as a child and was thrilled when they would write back. Gary also played high school football and has always gravitated towards the sport.
"Playing football was a childhood dream of mine," said Gary. "Even though I don't play anymore, I absolutely love watching the games and supporting the players."
Gary became a season ticket holder in 1984, and has been through highs and lows with the team. Of all of the Colts memories Gary has, he says his favorite has to be when the Colts played the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game when the Colts made an incredible comeback.
"Watching the Colts come back was incredible," said Gary. "To me, watching the Colts make a comeback like that was more exciting then watching them win the Super Bowl!"
Winning the Super Bowl is definitely one of Gary's favorite memories, but he believes that by coming back and winning a game after being so far behind is a true test of just how good the Colts really were.
Gary is a former member of the "Blue Crew," a fan club organization formed in 2001 by Randy Collins, a friend of Gary's. Before each game, the "Blue Crew" would travel to each game by bus and tailgate. The organization has around 1200 members, and Gary says although he is no longer a member, he still attends many "Blue Crew" events.
Colts City will be open on Wednesday, August 5th in Terre Haute at Colts Training Camp. It will be open from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. followed by a fireworks display.
