Here is the situation as it is playing out in my head. Warning: My mind may cause you dizziness. Let’s go!
I love sports, both to play and watch. In almost every case, however, when my back is up against the wall I would rather play than watch. I currently play in an indoor soccer league, which I have been doing for the past eight years. I very much look forward to my Friday game with the guys. The competition of playing against guys of a similar skill set as me brings out the best in me. It’s challenging, gets me off the couch, and gives me a chance to compete, which I live for. For those who know me, you know I take competition very seriously.
As today is Friday, by this point in the day I am already going through the motions of preparing mentally for my soccer match. I am figuring out line combinations, strategizing, and contacting my teammates. But today is different. Tonight, at 8:30 EST, my alma mater plays in the Vanier Cup for the first time since 1967. McMaster University travels to the rebuilt stadium in Vancouver to play for the Canadian college football championships against the Laval Rouge et Or, who ironically might be the team I despise most in all of sports. I love football. I am a proud Marauder alumnus.
Obviously it is enough to be in the championship to want to watch this game. I need no other reason. However, as I just said, I really can’t stand Laval. Not because they are a dominant team, and have been for the last decade and longer. Rather, I am against what I see as an a playing surface that is far from being level. There was an article out a few years ago about how the Ontario college teams are at a huge disadvantage compared to the other conferences. First, in Ontario, eligibility starts upon graduation from high school, whereas elsewhere it begins only when one enters university. Therefore, teams can have players in their late twenties and early thirties. Not so long ago Laval had a 30-year old quarterback. The oldest a player can be in Ontario is 24. Also, Laval has been given a $1 million grant from the provincial government, which is not given to other teams. Oh, there is more! Laval also has (or has had) a one-week spring training camp in Florida in the winter months, which is against rules in Ontario. Finally, as if the aforementioned weren’t enough, Laval has three full-time coaches who are not part of the faculty of the university in any other way.
So as you can see, this isn’t “just a football game” for me.
Tonight’s soccer team begins at 9pm, so I would be missing the first half of the football game. Okay, yes, I can DVR it, but it’s not the same! I can’t avoid looking at my Android to check the score, so it’s very much one or the other. In this case, I can’t have my cake and eat it too.
I think this will all just be a game time decision for me. Do I play, or do I watch? Can I compromise with myself by watching the game in fast forward mode on my DVR until I catch up to “live” play? I’ll get back to you all either way. Your advice is very much appreciated.
…and that is the last word.
