SOAR Blog

I went to the BYU-Colorado State football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, on Saturday. My dad brought my my 5-year-old nephew to the game. He loves sports and, just like any kid his age, gets excited to be at a game. He’s been to a few games in the past, and during those games, he’s loved to go see the players up close. Saturday was no different. BYU had the game in hand, so my dad asked my nephew if he wanted to go see the Colorado State players head into their locker room. Of course, my nephew jumped at the opportunity. So they headed off.

What happened while they were standing at the locker room entrance is a testament to the classiness of long-time head coach Sonny Lubick. My dad reported that nearly 80 percent of the players gave high fives to the fans even though they lost. He said one player walked along the line and slapped everyone’s hands. When he came to my nephew, he slapped his hand, and then (almost turning around) he stopped, looked down at my nephew and asked, “Do you want these?” as he pulled off his wrist bands. It goes without saying that my nephew was elated.

Today’s sports world is filled with classless individuals, with A-Rod and Scott Boras leading the charge. They have their millions, yet they demand more, not only in monetary compensation, but in the attention they want from the world. They are the epitome of the “gimme-gimme” syndrome.

Yet, this young CSU football player, who may or may not be on a scholarship and who most likely won’t end up going professional in football, took the opportunity to reach out to an impressionable young boy, even after losing the game. His coach has taught him how to show sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.

Sadly, Coach Lubick will probably be fired at the end of the year because he’s had a bad season after a successful 15-year stint at CSU. But in my eyes, and in the eyes of my family (all staunch BYU fans), he’s a hall of famer in our book. Not just any sports hall of fame, but in the Class Act Hall of Fame.

Are you as excited as I am for football season?

No time of the year is more exciting to me than the period of time between the end of August to the end of December. Most people would call it Fall, but it’s more than that. It’s football season.

I grew up playing and watching football. Now I mostly watch, but I play too…Fantasy style. In high school, I played tight end for our team, which was pretty good. And in college, I played intramural at BYU. Our team was awesome! Over two years, we went 22-0, winning the championship both years.

And now it’s that time of the year again. We’ve got football in the air, even in the office. Poppa P’s son plays tight end for a local high school, so it’s fun to talk football with Poppa P. We’ve even brought a football into the office to toss around on occasion–I think it helps get the juices flowing.

I’ve also got my fantasy league draft this weekend, which I’m really excited about. I just love the game, the ins and outs of what makes certain plays work. I owe that to my high school football coach. He had a mind for the game unlike any other I’ve ever known. He understood how it worked and instilled a love for the game in most everyone he coached.

So, here’s to Friday night lights, Saturday morning hype and continuing to live the dream. And here’s a little clip to get you exctied…one of my personal favorites.