"Sometimes, it can be freeing for something with no direct impact on your life to carry so much meaning. It takes me back to a more carefree time when the outcome of The Game meant everything to me."
This is a really interesting way to look at it. I've found my own interest and enthusiasm around watching sports games dwindle hard these last couple of years. But I think there's still something really special around experiences like this because they're very communal and there's a heritage aspect to it. No update on The Game™️ from Chasing Answers so I hope it went well!
This makes me think that the real Game, the biggest Game, is the game of deciding what matters to us in any given moment, participating in the game fully, but never forgetting its a game.
Randy, an amazing story tracing back to your childhood. Your reflections are beautiful. I loved this:
“As the years have passed, college football has become a less significant part of my life. I don’t even watch all of Michigan’s games anymore. They have been replaced with gymnastics meets and dance recitals. And sometimes, with simply a nice day at the park with my daughter on a beautiful Saturday in October.”
I grew up an Oregon State fan and the Civil War was our big game. But not as big as yours as you point out.
Thank you, James. It's funny the changes that the different seasons of our lives bring. In this case, I'm extremely grateful for them.
I am familiar with the Civil War. As a kid, I watched all of the rivalry games. Those games are what make college football special in my mind. Unfortunately, money plays a role in everything and the realignments among divisions and the future expanded playoff will diminish or completely eliminate many of these great games.
Randy, the other thing that has struck me as I’ve gotten older is just how much hate there is in those rivalries. As a kid there were a group of kids who were Duck fans and those of us who were Beaver fans. Looking back I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t as close to and didn’t like some of the kids in the Duck group.
We have a saying in our house “hate is a strong word”. I try and teach my kids that they can dislike (vs hate) something. Or it’s not their preference. But hate - has such a fierce energy that works in us in different ways.
Now, at age 57, I found myself rooting for the Ducks last night because the best version of them can compete for the National championship. Maybe they will play Michigan and I can love Michigan too because of you.
You're right. I use the word hate to describe my feelings towards Ohio State, but I'm strictly talking about my feelings towards what happens on the field, not towards the actual people. As I wrote in my essay, most of my best friends are Ohio State fans and it was that way growing up too. By the way, my wife is always using that that same saying with my daughter. 😊
There are, of course, bad apples in every bunch. I've been at Ohio State-Michigan games in Columbus with my Michigan gear on and had beer cans thrown at me, been yelled at, and of course been challenged to fights. I've also had Ohio State fans I didn't even know stick up for me. The energy and competition can bring out both the best and the worst of people.
"Sometimes, it can be freeing for something with no direct impact on your life to carry so much meaning. It takes me back to a more carefree time when the outcome of The Game meant everything to me."
This is a really interesting way to look at it. I've found my own interest and enthusiasm around watching sports games dwindle hard these last couple of years. But I think there's still something really special around experiences like this because they're very communal and there's a heritage aspect to it. No update on The Game™️ from Chasing Answers so I hope it went well!
This makes me think that the real Game, the biggest Game, is the game of deciding what matters to us in any given moment, participating in the game fully, but never forgetting its a game.
Randy, an amazing story tracing back to your childhood. Your reflections are beautiful. I loved this:
“As the years have passed, college football has become a less significant part of my life. I don’t even watch all of Michigan’s games anymore. They have been replaced with gymnastics meets and dance recitals. And sometimes, with simply a nice day at the park with my daughter on a beautiful Saturday in October.”
I grew up an Oregon State fan and the Civil War was our big game. But not as big as yours as you point out.
Just over an hour to kickoff.
Thank you, James. It's funny the changes that the different seasons of our lives bring. In this case, I'm extremely grateful for them.
I am familiar with the Civil War. As a kid, I watched all of the rivalry games. Those games are what make college football special in my mind. Unfortunately, money plays a role in everything and the realignments among divisions and the future expanded playoff will diminish or completely eliminate many of these great games.
Go Blue!
Randy, the other thing that has struck me as I’ve gotten older is just how much hate there is in those rivalries. As a kid there were a group of kids who were Duck fans and those of us who were Beaver fans. Looking back I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t as close to and didn’t like some of the kids in the Duck group.
We have a saying in our house “hate is a strong word”. I try and teach my kids that they can dislike (vs hate) something. Or it’s not their preference. But hate - has such a fierce energy that works in us in different ways.
Now, at age 57, I found myself rooting for the Ducks last night because the best version of them can compete for the National championship. Maybe they will play Michigan and I can love Michigan too because of you.
You're right. I use the word hate to describe my feelings towards Ohio State, but I'm strictly talking about my feelings towards what happens on the field, not towards the actual people. As I wrote in my essay, most of my best friends are Ohio State fans and it was that way growing up too. By the way, my wife is always using that that same saying with my daughter. 😊
There are, of course, bad apples in every bunch. I've been at Ohio State-Michigan games in Columbus with my Michigan gear on and had beer cans thrown at me, been yelled at, and of course been challenged to fights. I've also had Ohio State fans I didn't even know stick up for me. The energy and competition can bring out both the best and the worst of people.