Sports
Sports fans, when times get tough, have a little faith
The Pointer
Slong635@uwsp.edu
Let me put this out there so that we may all take a breath and get over it: I am a Chicago Bears fan. Before immediately turning the page, allow me to mention that this article does not illustrate how my team is better than your team. I am not that foolish. Having heard, “I can find a new copy editor” and “I can make you a pretty drink with antifreeze” from Packer fan friends, I hardly wish to receive threats from acquaintances or, heaven forbid, absolute strangers. Occasionally sacrifices must be made to support the common good. Monday, Oct. 5, was one such instance. For that night, I became a Packer supporter.
Given the Bears victory on Sunday, a Packer win over the Vikings would create a three-way tie for the division from which everyone could then handle their own business and fight for number one. Feeling my Forte jersey would be a bit too feisty, I arrived for the second half of the game wearing a touch of green.
With the Packers behind by a touchdown, my friends were not entirely chipper. As Brett Favre took his time in the pocket, sipping tea and deciding who to pass to downfield, sarcasm flourished. This criticism was not of the Vikings, but mainly of the Packers.
I began lecturing on the importance of verbally supporting your team, but this went fully unnoticed as a “If we get down by two touchdowns, I’m turning this off” came from the lips of the silly boy to my left. I stared at him in disbelief. Was he kidding? You never turn off the game. You watch until the end no matter how brutal the scene you are witnessing. I continued to nag these two young men on the importance of positive thinking until the fourth quarter. Then came the Vikings safety and seventh or eighth sack of Aaron Rodgers.
With seven minutes left in the game, “Real Chance of Love 2” was on the TV screen. I am a big fan, particularly of Real with his amazingly shiny hair, but the game was on. Curiosity got the best of the boys and they returned to find the Packers knocking on the door for a touchdown. Regret poured from the channel-changer as mild scolding poured from me. He shot at me, “If there is one minute left and the Bears are down by 14 points do you keep watching?” Yes! You always watch and you talk nicely to your team: I am frequently laughed at for whispering “you can do it buddy” under my breath.
The laughing stops if the unthinkable happens, especially if it leads to victory, be it an interception by a linebacker, a great onside kick or a blocked field goal attempt that no one saw coming. Even me.
The point is, sometimes your team wins and sometimes they lose. Losing is never fun, but it’s part of the experience. The Packers may not have won, but nine unanswered points in the fourth quarter isn’t bad either. So cheer heartily for your team this weekend, whoever that may be. Feel free to cup your hands over your mouth and speak encouragements to the players. A little faith can go a long way.
