Behind Enemy Lines - Week Three: Atlanta

Behind Enemy Lines is a weekly feature on HurricaneSports.com, highlighting the passion of Miami fans in opposing team territory. And if you’re reading this from Raleigh, N.C., give us a shout at @HurricaneSports – we want to hear from you.

This week's Cane "Behind Enemy Lines" ...

Katie Koziol
Atlanta, Georgia

How did you become a Hurricanes fan?
"I applied to Miami for graduate school and knew if I got in, I was heading there despite the fact I had never been before or visited campus.  As soon as I received my acceptance letter, I became a Canes fan.  My mom and I flew to Miami shortly thereafter to visit, and as soon as I saw all the palm trees on campus, I knew it was the place for me.  Little did I know that attending The U would be one of the best decisions I have ever made.  The traditions, campus, opportunities and - most importantly - the people that make up the Canes family are second to none.  It is a privilege to be a Hurricane and one I do not take for granted." 

Do you find it difficult supporting Miami all the way from Atlanta?
"Surprisingly no, not really.  Atlanta is a melting pot of sorts and full of passionate college sports fans.  Having an airport that is as big and busy as Atlanta's helps too, as there are plenty of flights to South Florida (or anywhere else the Canes are playing) if I want to go to a game."   

Is there a place you visit to watch Hurricanes games in the city?
"I travel a lot for work and often am on the road during weekends.  There have been several instances where I have welcomed a delayed flight or two, as it meant I could watch the Canes live on television somewhere in the airport.   If I am home in Atlanta, and the Canes are not in town playing Georgia Tech, you will likely find me in front of the big screen TV at my house during Canes games.  Sometimes there is just no place like home."  

Have you found any other Hurricanes fans in Atlanta?
"Yes!  I have the pleasure of working with a couple of Canes, which is a lot of fun.  I also have some dear friends, and fellow Canes, that live outside the city.  We try and get together as much as possible to cheer on the Hurricanes."

How do you support the Hurricanes – Any apartment decorations? Favorite piece of Canes gear? Travel for games?
"I am incredibly lucky to work for a company that fully supports its employees showcasing their school pride.  I have a space in my office dedicated to The U.  It includes a seat from the Orange Bowl and some other Canes memorabilia that I have collected over the years.  Any time we have a dress-down day at the office, I proudly sport my Canes gear...much to the dismay of my colleagues that are 'Noles and Gators.

I try to get to as many games as I can during the season.  This year, I will definitely be at this weekend's game at Georgia Tech and the October 6th game in Chicago against Notre Dame.  Hopefully, I can get to at least one additional game, preferably a home game.  Nothing beats a tailgate in Miami with my favorite Canes."

Any favorite memories or stories from your time as a Hurricanes fan? 
"Of course!  The 2004 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl was pretty amazing.  Being here in Atlanta that week before the game was a lot of fun, but the game itself was incredible.  When Devin Hester ran back a blocked field goal to score a touchdown in the first half, the Canes sideline and fans went nuts.  It was awesome!  Some other memories that stand out include tailgates in lot SW1 at the OB, and my first game as a Cane - the 2004 game against Florida State, an overtime win against the 'Noles.  It doesn't get much better than that!  Go Canes!"