The Cubs made it to the National League Championship Series — and lost in seven. Now — as for the last 95 years — it’s “Wait ’til next year.”

“We’re winning the World Series next year,” said Chris Colvin, graduate student in information assurance. “I’ve been saying that for 20 years, but next year is the year.”

Cubs fans gathered at Welch Avenue Station, 207 Welch Ave. in Campustown, to watch the final game of the series. Each of the fans had a different reason for the loss.

Colvin said that a single play made the difference in the series.

“That stupid guy going after that foul ball,” Colvin said. “They should have played better, but it really was that one out.”

In Game 6, Cubs left fielder Moises Alou went after a foul fly that was hit to left field. Alou was close to catching the ball when a Cubs fan knocked it out of his reach.

Ames resident Chad Norlin, 813 Hunziker Ave., said he didn’t believe the play made a difference.

“That guy was not to blame,” he said. “There were [32] outs after that where they could have [won] it, and they didn’t.”

Cubs fans said other factors that contributed to the loss.

“[Mark] Prior’s pitching wasn’t what it should have been [in game six],” Colvin said.

Norlin said the Marlins’ hitting was a major factor in the series.

“The Marlins are incredible hitters,” he said.

Matt Zager, a student at Des Moines Area Community College, said the series came down to who was the better team.

“The team who won was the team who wanted it more,” Zager said. “Chicago’s pitchers had a lot of pressure on them.”

Fans were not entirely surprised that the Cubs had failed to become NL champions.

“I’m disappointed but not so much,” Norlin said. “After seeing them lose in the sixth game, it wasn’t so surprising.”

Cubs fans said they were down, but not out, and looking forward to next season.

“We’re going to be a solid team next year after signing some players from the Pirates,” Nordin said.

Whether the Cubs win or lose, their fans will still be with them.

“The Cubs have devoted fans, but the fans don’t win the games,” Zager said.