Who can forget?
I mean, who can forget? This question is asked in the aftermath of any sports moment that is even remotely remarkable. Who can forget the time Kobe hit 81 in Toronto? Who can forget when the Patriots overcame a 25 point deficit and won the Super Bowl? Who can forget the time that Greg got dunked on in high school basketball tryouts?
Okay, well hopefully you have not heard about the last one, but the principle is still the same. We remember and cherish these moments because they matter and they are important to us. If you do not know these moments I am referring to, go on YouTube and check them out.
The players and teams we celebrate are not just people or ball clubs, but characters involved in an eternal struggle to find the resolve of all their conflict: the championship trophy.
Or at least that is the narrative that is given to us.
We are given countless television networks, Twitter accounts and media personalities to analyze and document our favorite characters’ toil toward the perennial glory of a golden trophy.
Multimillionaire athletes and analysts tell us that these are the only stories that truly matter, the only stories that are remembered.
I am a big fan of the NBA; some of the greatest highlights of all time happened in losing efforts and on nonchampionship winning teams.
As fans, we cherish the individual moments and celebrate, regardless if the team is the best in the league. We celebrate a good play because it is good. All of the previous losses and mistakes are instantly forgotten, and all we can do is be amazed in the moment.
Many teams view the start of a new season as a continuing chapter of an illustrious program rich in tradition. I would argue that every game is a new story in and of itself. Who says you have to wait an entire season to drastically change your methods?
Fans, coaches, billionaire owners and players alike all get to experience a symphony of stories colliding into a two and a half hour time period which common folk like myself call a game.
We have the amazing opportunity to witness these symphonies on a daily basis and almost every day of the year. I love stories, which is why I love sports.
There is just something about the uniqueness of someone’s story. Whether you are a Hall of Fame athlete or a regular guy like me, your story is important.
So as you take time to watch a game (hopefully it is the Furman vs ETSU game Feb. 7) don’t forget about your own story. It just might change the world.