This year I watched University of Kansas* (KU) in both the semi-finals and finals.
Let me start this by saying I’m not really a sports fan. The only games I actively like to watch are hockey games, and since I don’t have cable nor a geographically close group of friends who shares my love of it, I don’t follow that much anymore either.
However, I’m one of those people that if I start watching a game of football or basketball, I get sucked right in. It’s usually college sports, too, though I have caught some NBA action at the gym on occasion.
It’s not just the sport that’s entertaining. It’s the setting and the feel of so many people coming together to cheer on their team. It brings back memories for me of high school football and basketball games and college hockey games. It’s remembering the excitement of being there with friends and watching a group of people representing your school in competition. **
It’s also wanting to see a group of people win, but to be fair, it’s also about wanting to see another group of people lose. I’m not going to lie…when it comes down to a rivalry, the opposing side is the evil one. And if THEY lose, their tears are just icing on the victory cake.*** On the flip side, if WE lose (like KU did last night), that’s okay, guys…it was a great season and you made it to the finals and you’re awesome!
Watching the game is a constant practice in hope and optimism. With every basket, touchdown, or goal you get one point closer to that victory. Even when the gap is wide and your team is behind, you still hold on to that last hope that there’s going to be a miracle and it’s going to be the best thing the sporting world has ever seen.
I’d never consider myself a sports fan, but I do enjoy the odd sporting event, and I enjoyed watching some March Madness this year. I’m thinking next year I may go all the way in with brackets and beer and get my fill of some college basketball.****
*I live near Kansas State University but chose to root for KU this year because 1) I’m a follower and am okay with peer pressure and 2) When in Rome, cheer for the Romans.
**I wasn’t actually there in the crowd. Live sports are better, but I still had fun chilling in my friend’s cushy chair and taking it all in.
***If you deny taking pleasure in their pain, you’re a better person than I am. Don’t hate…I’m just being honest.
****I’m kind of looking forward to some college football come fall, but I need a place to watch it. I should start looking now.
The Romance Factor 