Each evening after work, on my route to the campus bus stop, I pass through the student union. And always the thing that draws my attention is the sound coming from the large screen TVs scattered throughout the dining commons. This time of year, it's the squeak of hightops on a hardwood court. In another month, it will be the thwack of a ball meeting a pinewood bat.
Occasionally, usually after an exceptionally trying day working with students to plan their classes, I think how ridiculous it is that the talking heads on ESPN breakdown college basketball or Major League Baseball or The Masters as if they carried the weight of a presidential election.
But mostly, I smile at the cheerful sound of sport. Watching athletes play their games at the highest level both inspires and relaxes me. I am thankful to have the means to pay for HD cable TV, giving me access to a sporting event any day of the week. Sport is often the one thing that takes my mind away from weighty worldly cares.
I suppose my love of sport is an extension of my love to play. These are just games after all. Games that are entirely accessible to most of us, and that in fact, we have played a time or two. And if I can't get out everyday to run through a grassy outfield or smack a ball over the net of a tennis court, I can at least live vicariously through those who do. I can watch them play and store memories for my daydreams.
On the bus ride home or long car rides, or even long bike rides, I bust out those daydreams and picture myself matching Steffi Graf shot for shot on the grass courts of Wimbledon, or being the only female to make it to the Bigs. I play centerfield for the Mariners and nail Derek Jeter at home with a rocket of a throw. No cutoff man needed.
In the United States we invest an enormous amount of time and money in the movies and TV, including following the day-to-day antics of the actors who star in big and small screen shows. The same can be said of sports and the antics of athletes. Some would argue that our investment in these industries is outsized. I would agree. And still.
There's something about the fact that some of my fellow Americans can make a living playing a game, can spend their days running about, playing catch, shooting hoops, that gives me hope. That makes me believe each and every one of us has a sporting chance of our dreams coming true.
Occasionally, usually after an exceptionally trying day working with students to plan their classes, I think how ridiculous it is that the talking heads on ESPN breakdown college basketball or Major League Baseball or The Masters as if they carried the weight of a presidential election.
But mostly, I smile at the cheerful sound of sport. Watching athletes play their games at the highest level both inspires and relaxes me. I am thankful to have the means to pay for HD cable TV, giving me access to a sporting event any day of the week. Sport is often the one thing that takes my mind away from weighty worldly cares.
I suppose my love of sport is an extension of my love to play. These are just games after all. Games that are entirely accessible to most of us, and that in fact, we have played a time or two. And if I can't get out everyday to run through a grassy outfield or smack a ball over the net of a tennis court, I can at least live vicariously through those who do. I can watch them play and store memories for my daydreams.
On the bus ride home or long car rides, or even long bike rides, I bust out those daydreams and picture myself matching Steffi Graf shot for shot on the grass courts of Wimbledon, or being the only female to make it to the Bigs. I play centerfield for the Mariners and nail Derek Jeter at home with a rocket of a throw. No cutoff man needed.
In the United States we invest an enormous amount of time and money in the movies and TV, including following the day-to-day antics of the actors who star in big and small screen shows. The same can be said of sports and the antics of athletes. Some would argue that our investment in these industries is outsized. I would agree. And still.
There's something about the fact that some of my fellow Americans can make a living playing a game, can spend their days running about, playing catch, shooting hoops, that gives me hope. That makes me believe each and every one of us has a sporting chance of our dreams coming true.
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