The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
My husband and I sometimes engage in talks -- part humorous, part tragic -- about the things we did and believed when we were younger.
As cringeworthy as some of these tales are, we always come back to our happiness today -- with each other, with our life -- and how those long-ago experiences must have had something to do with it.
Yes, stuff (like finances) could always be better; I could certainly be a better cook, and my husband could probably learn a bit more about plumbing. Still, life is good. We feel we also have lots to look forward to, but if this is the top, that's okay, too.
What does this have to do with tonight's game between the University of Kentucky and Kansas University?
Well, when I watch these games (and any high stakes sporting event, actually), I occasionally feel a hint of sadness. I can't help but wonder: Is this game that I'm watching, this tournament, this three-week experience, the highlight of somebody's life out there on the court? A player, a coach, a student manager?
I hope and pray these young people go on to bigger and better things, whether that's in or out of the spotlight. Maybe they'll find true happiness as an insurance salesman or an IT manager. Maybe their kids will fill their hearts and souls. Maybe a predictable daily routine in a magnificent locale will give them true peace. Whatever.
It's just that I sure hope they aren't 40, like I am, and looking back at this March Madness as the best life had to offer, the time when things were the sunniest, the most fulfilling, the most soul-feeding. At age 20.
Am I being too cynical? Life can be wonderful and romantic for folks in their teens and twenties. Some of the world's greatest things and greatest thoughts have come from history's 20-somethings. Who am I to judge if that's when people feel they were at their peak? What do you guys think?
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May '10
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Ursula, you and I have both spent plenty of time covering athletics and we all know the stories of guys - like Art Schlichter and Ryan Leaf - who seem to be on top of the world one moment and spiraling out of control the next. It happens.
We've also seen guys that do fairly well on the field and do better later on, think of Byron White and Gerald Ford.
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Your question reminds me of something I heard a group of cheerleaders say on one of our last days in high school. Now, I had a fine time in high school. I had wonderful friends who remain my best friends to this day. I was yearbook editor and involved in sports and theater and tons of activities. I grew up in a great area and my school provided me with a better education than most of what I received in college.
But these girls were talking about how this was the mountaintop experience of their lives and, "Just think, it's all downhill from here."
It was one of the most depressing things I've ever heard. My mother assured me that night that my life would continue to be a blessing. And it has. But I do hope the cheerleaders feel the same way!
Mar '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
I think it is impossible to draw general conclusions. Some will make an incredible success of themselves and this experience, others will do nothing but go downhill. I try not too read much into these things. Soak up the moment and enjoy!
Jul '10
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Cheerleaders 25 years later... at the dinner table:
Mom: Ready?!
Father, Son, Daughter: OK!!
All:
We got din(clap)er
Yes We do(clap)
We got din(clap)er
Must be stew!!
Yeah! Yeah! Whew!
They fill Their bowls and sit at the table.
Dad: So, Son, how did You do on that test today?
Son: Ready?!
All: OK!
Son: Give Me an "F"!!
All: "F"!!
Son sits down embarrassed.
Dad: Son, We'll have to work on that. Now, honey, did that nice boy ask You out?
Daughter: Ready?!
All: OK!
Daughter: His name is Tommy. (clap-clap, clap,clap)
He tried to touch to Me. (clap-clap, clap-clap)
But I said, "NO," Dad. (clap-clap,clap-clap)
Then kicked his gonad. (clap-clap, clap-clap)
Apr '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
My deceased maternal grandfather had his best moment when he was 20, winning the Boat Race for Cambridge. He later won an Olympic Gold (Amsterdam 1928). He did a bunch of other things after that, some of them more useful, before a fairly early violent death. There was no question, though, to him, about whether mechanizing farming was as big a deal or as satisfying as the Boat Race. It's probably even more true for many of today's athletes, most of whom will not become great men off the field.
Athletes are like mathematicians like that, but it's probably better to discover your theorem and become rich and (relatively) dumb, than never to have been a mathematical genius at all.
May '10
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Molly the Cheerleader...
Apr '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
I'm approaching my 30-year high school reunion and I recall some of my classmates who peaked in our senior year. I live my life telling my self and my children how lucky I am not to have been one of those who was early to peak. Therefore, some of these ball players will never have it so good and will spend the rest of their lives telling everybody (anybody) how great they were. I may never rise to that height but I'm happy to not be them.
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Ha! Love it. You even got my school colors right.
Jul '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
You have a bunch of NBA players here who will be paid a bundle in the future. Win or lose they will move on, some to be good adults, husbands, fathers, and role models. Some will grow up to be drug users and wife beaters. With that said, I expect a statement game for Kentucky. I took my entire Louisville ticket ( which covered by a half point ) and I have KY -6. One of the curses/blessings of living in Nevada.
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
James Of England: My deceased maternal grandfather had his best moment when he was 20, winning the Boat Race for Cambridge. He later won an Olympic Gold (Amsterdam 1928). He did a bunch of other things after that, some of them more useful, before a fairly early violent death. There was no question, though, to him, about whether mechanizing farming was as big a deal or as satisfying as the Boat Race. It's probably even more true for many of today's athletes, most of whom will not become great men off the field.
Athletes are like mathematicians like that, but it's probably better to discover your theorem and become rich and (relatively) dumb, than never to have been a mathematical genius at all. · 30 minutes ago
What an interesting story about your grandfather, James of E. I guess I was trying (perhaps not successfully) to make a distinction between achievements or accomplishments and true, deep, soul-filling happiness. Several of us (particularly women who have stopped working to raise children, for example) might say our 'achievements' happened in our 20s, but our happiness didn't come until much later.
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Yes, crab. I agree and feel the same way.
Apr '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Ursula Hennessey
What an interesting story about your grandfather, James of E. I guess I was trying (perhaps not successfully) to make a distinction between achievements or accomplishments and true, deep, soul-filling happiness. Several of us (particularly women who have stopped working to raise children, for example) might say our 'achievements' happened in our 20s, but our happiness didn't come until much later. · 3 minutes ago
Right, and I think that you're right that it makes one happier to have goals like "raise a handful of great kids" than "win X", even if you do win "X". I don't think that you generally get to the pinnacle of a popular sport without being seriously and passionately dedicated to it. There are exceptions, of course; I loved Chad Hennings' autobiography, and he's a heck of a guy. All too often, though, if you're passionate enough to drive yourself to those heights, you're not going to be dispassionate enough to have a great perspective on it.
May '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
"It's just that I sure hope they aren't 40, like I am, and looking back at this March Madness as the best life had to offer, the time when things were the sunniest, the most fulfilling, the most soul-feeding. At age 20."
The score is 25 to 17 and Hell has gotten considerably cooler because I pause to check what is going on at Ricochet. I would be sad for anyone who doesn't feel like things were sunniest, the most fulfilling, the most soul-feeding, at age 20. That is the essence of life. Yeah, for the past several years, every day seems to be better than I deserve but when I was 20, life was REAL and very exciting. To quote that not quite immortal poet, Bob Seegar, I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then.
Back to the game.
Mar '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
It is not true though. I wish I could find the link but someone did a study the age well know people were the most successful they were in their mid-50's to mid-60's. Often what we are most remembered for or things that impact our generation or sometimes generations to come are not glamorous. It is most often the things we suffer and struggle with although also have joy at times (or often) doing it that leaves a lasting impact. Kids, lasting organization, anything that changes peoples lives for the better. The best things in life are not free nor easy and require long term commitment.
May '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
I am back, briefly, just to say that I just watched that lovefest/interview between Obama and Clark Kellogg and I am like Santorum pondering Kennedy's religion speach. There were so many blatant lies in those few comments I would need a transcript and a large shovel to deconstruct them all. Back to the game.
Jul '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
I'm glad I didn't watch a single bit of it( Obama and his show stealing as usual). Mr Whittle over at pjtv has the best expose of the Obama regime ever! I showed it to all my kids and wife so our half time was spent ridiculing the president with scoffs and laughter over his disgrace of the office.
Jul '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
That's a win and cover. Boo yah.
Apr '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Rats. Good game UK!
May '10
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
Bill Waldron! Come on DOWN! And POTUS a distant 40th...
Mar '11
Re: The NCAA Championship: As Good As It Gets?
"Maybe they'll find true happiness as an insurance salesman or an IT manager."
heh
heh heh heh
hee hee hee hee hee
Ha Ha Ha
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!
Oh that was a good one... thanks Ursula :)