Super, Super Bowl

I can not say that I've watched every Superbowl since January of 1967, although I certainly could have. Some teams interest me a lot more than others. Who you watch the games with makes all the difference in the world. I am married to a sports fanatic and have been for the last 12.5 years. Football is one of his passions, so its fun to watch with him and discuss the game.

This year's game, XLIV, is particularly exciting for several reasons. First, the New Orleans Saints have been in existence for the same number of years as the Super Bowl itself. This is the first time the Saints have made conference champs and the Super Bowl. One Saints player grabs my attention. He's not the quarterback nor a running back nor a receiver. Jahri Evans is an offensive lineman that came to the NFL by way of a Division II school which just happens to be my alma mater. I've been following Bloomsburg Husky football for a number of years and have been known to drive or fly long distances to attend a game. You see, I live in Texas and my alma mater is in central Pennsylvania. When I can't be at a game, I am sitting in front of my computer listening to the Internet radio broadcast of the game, following players, charting wins and losses and predicting who will make it to Division II playoffs. Bloomsburg, which fields a team with the equivalency of about 11 scholarships, consistently makes the playoffs and in fact has been the team of the decade in terms of wins in the PSAC. That's due in large part to the coach, Danny Hale. In addition to coaching winning football players, he produces young men who are strong students, community volunteers and college graduates. Jahri is just one of those young men, who entered Bloom on an academic scholarship, excelled at football, graduated with a degree in sports medicine/exercise science and now gives back to Bloomsburg with a scholarship program and as a member of the Golden Helmet Alliance.

Most of the prognosticators have been picking the Colts to win this game. Frankly, I can't support the Colts, even with Peyton Manning as quarterback. Unfortunately, as a former Baltimore Colt fan and Maryland resident I have strong memories of the night in 1983, when the Irsay family moved the Colts out of Baltimore in the middle of the night. There was plenty of blame on both sides for that move, but the bottom line is that I don't and won't support the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps if they had changed the name of the team to something more reflective of Indianapolis--a car name would be more appropriate considering what makes Indianapolis famous. The Colts belonged to Baltimore, home of the Preakness, and to Maryland, where Harford County is known for its thoroughbred horse farms.

That said, I am going with the Saints to win this game. Their unflappable spirit, their fabulous coach, their reborn quarterback, and best lineman in the NFL, Jahri Evans #73, all will be strong forces that lead the Saints to victory.

When I was a BU Coed

Sometimes it is very hard to think about how far removed I am from my coed days at Bloomsburg University, then Bloomsburg State College. I spent some very happy years at BU, as a class leader, sorority member, and RA. I made some lasting friendships--people with whom I am still friends and with whom I enjoy spending time. But can it be that many years ago? I don't really feel that much older. I can still remember football games, wrestling meets, basketball games, even swim meets--only because a good friend was on the team. :-)

I remember sorority and fraternity functions, some a little wilder than others. Concerts by some of the hot groups, which will definitely give away the time frame; The Association, BS&T, The Loving Spoonful. I remember graduation, which occurred just a few days after my 21st birthday, early on a Sunday afternoon. My best friend and I managed to down a couple bloody marys before hand. I remember how proud my mom and dad were that their only child was a college graduate.

A long time ago, a wise and dear friend told me to treasure the special moments for much later times when I was rocking away my hours. She was right. Those very special moments will be with me for a long time.