Sports Wisdom

Recently an author and sports writer from the New York Times visited the University where I attend. Normally I’m too busy to attend an out-of-class presentation, especially by someone I know little about and especially a sports writer (Sports? I leave that to my dad and husband!). But curiosity, and of course a little extra credit, led me to go.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Sports hater…in fact there are seasons where I find myself watching just as fanatically as my husband (which for me includes KU Basketball, the Olympics and an occasional football game). On the most part, I only understand a few sports and even then I seem to just 'get' the basics (mainly because, according to my beloved husband, I haven’t taken the time to try).  

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." -Bill Shankly

Bill would probably be disappointed that I'm not as passionate as he about football, but I must say that after this week I do have more appreciation for it. I can see how it may hold special importance in the lives of many.

(Image contributed from http://nezta.com/sport-quotes-for-your-life/)

OK, I said all that to say this, I never expected to find such ‘life’ wisdom from a Sports Writer.  Before the presentation that day, I hadn’t read Joe Drape’s featured book, Our Boys; but within minutes of hearing him speak, I wished I had! His words transcended the ‘game’ of sports and had me thinking much more deeply than expected. How could football become philosophy? Somehow it had, and I left with more appreciation for my community and values; as well as a stronger desire to follow my dreams.

Here are just a few of the tidbits of ‘wisdom’ and quotes that I liked from Joe Drape's afternoon session at Washburn:

1) Do something because it interests you, otherwise it’s work.

2) In a good community, all are invested in helping all do well.

3) Among the best programs are those, which ‘set the same standards for all.'

4) Journalism should “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable”

5) Whatever ideas you think, ‘somewhere it’s written down…you just have to find it.’

And one of my favorites:

“There is always someone smarter than you.”  

(a common theme...he who is wise realizes that he always has more to learn!)

Although I still don’t plan on watching a full football game anytime soon with my husband, (even though he keeps reminding me to 'listen to him' because HE is one of those 'smarter than YOUs' in my life), he IS quite proud of me for buying my first book about sports today. (Well, Our Boys of course!) So far what I’ve read has taught me a little more about the game of ‘football’ and a whole lot more about the game of ‘life.’

Remember whether or not you like a certain subject matters little as to whether or not it is possible to learn from it.  There is always some ‘idea’ within every subject that can bring wisdom applicable to your life…’you just have to find it.”

More Sports Wisdom:

The values learned on the playing field--how to set goals, endure, take criticism and risks, become team players, use our bodies, stay healthy and deal with stress--prepare us for life.  ~Donna de Varona