The Emotional Side of Sports

I took my nephew to the Rose Bowl yesterday.
The game, UCLA vs ASU.

I am an ASU alumnus, but have no attachment to that school.
I went to one game when I attended ASU, and 3 after I graduated. I saw ASU play against USC twice at the L.A. Colosseum and against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

It was a good game and I enjoyed it once I was able to position myself to a seat where I can see the action. For some reason UCLA fans like to stand more than sit. The game itself ended up down the wire. The final score UCLA 29-28. ASU had the chance to win the game with 2 seconds left, but the ASU kicker missed the field goal, resulting in the video you see to the left. I enjoy a good game. While I grew up an avid New York sports fan rooting for the Yankees and Giants, I don't have a favorite team now. I find that when we identify myself with a team I compromise my state of mind at a situation beyond my control.

I don't want to feel down just because a field goal kicker misses and the team loses. That's their problem. There are enough situations in life to put myself down. But then I do feel happy for a team or athlete that wins. it's the same feeling I get when I find that they graduated, earned a bonus, or published a book.

I often wonder if the enthusiasm people feel towards their sports teams can be placed toward their own lives. Can they cheer for themselves? Can they place the time and effort (and money) to go to a ball game to proper care for themselves? Yesterday's tickets were about $50 each, $8.00 for hotdogs, and then we had to walk 2000 feet to our cars. Yet people have a hard time putting dollars into their IRAs, go to church, and enjoy a good massage.

I'm not saying that it's wrong to support for your team. I enjoy sports and I especially enjoy watching football on Sundays. But its the refreshing aspect of getting my mind from thinking too much about the week ahead that I enjoy the most. There is a lot going on in my life so Sundays are nice days for rest and relaxation. Watching football is a part of that relaxation.

Note that I said, 'watching'. The cheering I reserve for myself, my family, and my friends when they score big points in life.

Cheers,
Jim