Fans Gather for Gopher's Bowl Appearance

DULUTH, Minn.- Gopher fans celebrated New Year's Day by watching their favorite team play.What better way to ring in the New Year than watching your favorite team with family and friends.Long time fan, Mike Sylvester, has rooted for the Gophers since he can remember and he has his dad to thank for that."My dad went to Minneapolis, Washburn and grew up right next to where the Gophers played," Sylvester said.His dad watched them play in the last bowl game they were in."My dad actually drove to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl in 1962 and watched them place UCLA," Sylvester said.Going to local restaurants is where Gopher fans enjoy watching their team.Because the Citrus Bowl is sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings many Northlanders gathered there to watch them play."Eat, food and watch the game. What better way to do it!" said U of M student, Heidi Ludolph.Despite the disappointing loss, fans were pleased with the teams season and are optimistic for their future. "Maybe someday we will be here watching them play for a National Championship," Sylvester said.This is the first time the Gophers have played a bowl game on New Year's Day since 1962.The Gophers lost the battle to the Missouri Tigers with a final of 33-17.