by Alana Klein

As it stands that a high majority of my contributions here are based in facts, statistics, standings, etc., what I post about in relation to these topics is objective. However, there will be regular posts — about once a week — in which I will express my (subjective) opinion about a relevant topic (e.g. last week’s “Screaming Into the Void” about the accessibility of the official AF1 rule book). And even in those, I will tend not to “tip my hand” or “show my colors” unless it is in relation to expressing my point of view.

However, this is anything but that. As I state in my bio on the staff page, I am an Albany Firebirds fan. I have lived in the general area (around here, we call it “the Capital Region”) for my entire life and been directly in the City for all but about 10 of my 44 years. (I also mention more about the area in my “introductory” piece.)

I’m going to assume that by now, you’ve heard about Michigan’s victory over the Firebirds and the ending of the 20-game win streak. This piece is in part to show what the Firebirds mean to me, the City, and the Capital Region and in part in hopes that some of them see it and know just how much they’re appreciated. But first, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that our booster club “Flock Support” does an incredible job of welcoming and supporting our team, not just when they first arrive but also efforts to try to make them feel right at home even when they’re on road trips.

And here is something that I didn’t put in my bio that is hugely relevant to this point that I’m trying to make. I have Parkinson’s Disease. I am on disability because of this. Some days, it can be difficult to leave my apartment for more than just groceries. And on those few days that I can gather myself enough to go out and catch a movie (for instance), that is basically the extent of my day. All that to say, watching the Firebirds and particularly going to games is the highlight of my week … whether we win or lose. Although, I must confess: I thought that was just something people said. Up until this weekend, I had forgotten that losing was even an option. (Kidding!)

I (and we as a community) am (are) so damn proud of what this team has accomplished in the AF1 — which doesn’t even get to the whole NAL years and the recovery from 2023. (I’ll be covering that topic sometime during the off-season.) Not only did we become the first arena football team to complete an undefeated season, we matched the record for most consecutive wins and then ran it out to 20-in-a-row.

There were, of course, close calls. Last season, we went into overtime against Salina and they got the ball first in OT, but we managed to get the dub. This season, Washington almost tripped us up and Michigan almost beat us in our first matchup on the game’s final play.

In short: I thought that an “appreciation” post was necessary. Would I have made this post if another team had gone on a heater? Maybe … if it was my place to, although I wouldn’t have the kind of first-hand experience that I have for this one.

And … I GUESS Michigan deserves a shout-out for breaking the streak. So … ummm … [mumbles and shyly looks at the ground] …

congratulations or whatever.

Once again, to the entire organization — from the front office to the support staff to the coaches to the players — the whole of the 518 is just so f– I better be careful with my adjectives … I’m still new here … so damn proud of you. And I was honored to be a part of it, even if I was just one of thousands who were Screaming Into the Void.