Thursday; August 28

        This week is a fun one for a lot of us.  While a few college football teams got a head start over the last few days, a lot of us will see our teams take the field for the first time this weekend.  Now, I am sure that there are a few “quality” games on the schedule, but there will be a lot more tune-ups for the 2025 season.  This is the time of year when most of the larger universities get a real-time test and a lot of the smaller schools get a pretty good payday.  Yet, no matter the matchups – we are ready for some football!

          In honor the kickoff to the college football season, I thought I would offer a quote from Knute Rockne.  The hero of college coaching is credited with a lot of words of wisdom, but one statement I found interesting was, “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.”.  Honestly, I think sportsmanship has lost some of its allure in this win-at-all-cost society (and look good doing it), but there is still a place for respectful competition.  Now, while that makes a good mantra, we need examples who are willing to do it.  It’s not enough to give it lip service, we have to display it and expect it!  When we compete, let’s act like “winners” (whether we win or lose).  When we watch, let’s demand that our players and coaches practice respect – and that should be true from the pee wee leagues to the pros!  Interestingly, I think that what we tolerate in our sporting world impacts much of the rest of society.  If our sports heroes are allowed to get away with showboating, pretty soon it will impact our schools, political arena, neighborhoods and society in general. 

          I hope our teams play well this year; but as much as anything I hope they will act good.  That may or may not improve their records, but it can enhance our humanity.

          Think About It!

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