<strong>Go Cats!</strong> The author (left) and her friend, Julie King, can't keep it in at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, 1996.
Go Cats! The author (left) and her friend, Julie King, can't keep it in at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, 1996.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Let's tailgate</strong>: Superfan Andrew Hilsberg with the author at a tailgate before Northwestern beat Wisconsin in 2003.
Let's tailgate: Superfan Andrew Hilsberg with the author at a tailgate before Northwestern beat Wisconsin in 2003.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Remember the Alamo</strong>: Erin Collier (right) comforts the author during a crushing loss to Missouri at the 2008 Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, TX.
Remember the Alamo: Erin Collier (right) comforts the author during a crushing loss to Missouri at the 2008 Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, TX.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Away game</strong>: Northwestern alumnus David Chalian, CNN Political Director, and the author take in a "Cardiac Cats" victory, this time over Nebraska in Lincoln, November 2011.
Away game: Northwestern alumnus David Chalian, CNN Political Director, and the author take in a "Cardiac Cats" victory, this time over Nebraska in Lincoln, November 2011.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Happy NU Year</strong>: The sign-holding author appeared on ESPN2 during the 2013 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL, when Northwestern finally won their first bowl game in 64 years.
Happy NU Year: The sign-holding author appeared on ESPN2 during the 2013 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL, when Northwestern finally won their first bowl game in 64 years.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Purple pride</strong>: Peter Dangerfield and the author snag a pic with Northwestern mascot Willy the Wildcat at the 2016 Pinstripe Bowl, held in New York City's Yankee Stadium.
Purple pride: Peter Dangerfield and the author snag a pic with Northwestern mascot Willy the Wildcat at the 2016 Pinstripe Bowl, held in New York City's Yankee Stadium.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Victory dance</strong>: Katie Cour (left), Peter Dangerfield and the author celebrating Northwestern's win at the 2017 Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN.
Victory dance: Katie Cour (left), Peter Dangerfield and the author celebrating Northwestern's win at the 2017 Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN.
Courtesy Brekk Fletcher/CNN
<strong>Mad world</strong>: Ryan Hedges (left) and Andrew Hilsberg with the author at Northwestern's first appearance at March Madness, Salt Lake City, 2017.
Mad world: Ryan Hedges (left) and Andrew Hilsberg with the author at Northwestern's first appearance at March Madness, Salt Lake City, 2017.
Courtesy Brekke Fletcher/CNN