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Everything started as a young boy. It wasn’t my fault. I had no choice. Photos from farther past than I can remember show the beginning of a future fixation; a brutal beginning that would burden me for the rest of my life. My obsession has its ups and downs. However the lows are inconceivably low. The highs are short lived and sometimes unnoticeable due to the accompaniment of the stress. It’s a two-edged sword.
Simple things haunt me. They are everywhere. They know no boundaries. It doesn’t matter the time of day, season, or whatever astrological concept of time you prefer. Especially during the summer when my obsession goes unfulfilled. Foods like hamburgers, brats, giant pretzels, and nachos flood my brain with sweet tasting memories. The sweat gathering on my forehead invites recollections deeply embedded into my soul that were long forgotten of my own days in the sun. Bright lights and thinly cut fields hurt me too. Nothing however is worse than the color red. Like an enraged bull the color induces a rush of adrenalin and energy. The color is almost always on me. On my clothes I mean. There’s red on my shoes and more often than not my shirts. I drive a red car. Mockingly, red is also my favorite color. These mere simple things are especially painful during the summer months. These reminders make me miss my passion all the more. Just reminding me my fix is still a future away.
I consider my life a book divided into chapters. Each season is its own chapter. There are good chapters and bad chapters. A never ending roller-coaster ride. The openings of the chapters are the long summers before the first kick-off. I suffer from a seeming constant state of waiting and worrying. The FFL in particular is its own demon. The Family Football League, now entering its 6th year, is made up of the 5 men in the family: me, my dad, two brothers, and brother-in-law. Each team we pick gets points based off of their upcoming performances. We get to pick once. The picks can be unpredictable and will determine our emotional stability for the forthcoming year. The hype and talk on ESPN and other various sports programs only blind us from making the right picks. I study about graduates, scandals, coaching changes, players, and recent win-loss trends. Changes are made constantly and doubt clouds the mind with each one. The difference could be life changing. When the picks are final and classes have started the premises for the chapters are complete.
I know the season is near when I’m speeding down I-15 listening to Hot Ticket 700AM intensely listening to insignificant caller discussions about quarterbacks not wearing knee pads. I know it’s near when I hear the echo throughout the stadium of the drums beating and the saxophones blowing as a group of musicians form various letters at mid-field. When I watch a sea of red shirts and fans decked out in paraphernalia on their feet placing their hands over their hearts while jets roar overhead I know it is here. This isn’t a game. This isn’t sport. This is war. This is my life. With every kickoff I’ve ever been privileged to witness invokes a sense of anticipation and hope. Yet undetermined, the season can be historical and legendary or unfold to be disappointing. Will it be another undefeated BCS busting season or one full of should haves and what ifs? This is an addiction, a fantasy full of endless dreams. It is perplexing and time consuming. More option plays are doodled on my college notebooks during lectures than will ever be run in reality and more mental energy is wasted thinking about final scores of next Saturday’s game than it takes to study for a mid-term exam.
NCAA football is not for the weak minded. It can be painful. It is also complex. It’s a labyrinth of theories and strategies. It’s a mix of counters, counter-passes, options, dives, misdirections, streaks, button-hooks, flags, posts, and blocks. Priceless hours are spent watching play by play videos taped from outdated camcorders in film study. These rooms are usually warm and the film silent. This can be a potent sedative after meals yet no detail goes unnoticed. In these war rooms outcomes to games are predetermined. Days before the games the strategies are set in motion. Ideas are tested and either approved or shot down. It is for this reason called practice, not because it is insignificant or painless. The soldiers run ladders, wind sprints, and suicides. They do enough bear crawls and monkey rolls to put a county zoo to shame. Helmets and pads colliding make a chorus any fan would be excited to hear. After days of sweating and bleeding and hurting the men are ready for battle. No bucket of ice or bandage on the other hand could heal the pains of losing.
Football fields are altars. The hollowed grounds are for conquering, not succumbing to defeat. Victims come here to die. Around the field are the tens of thousands of fans. All of them wearing red and all here to hail the victors as they run out of the concrete tunnel between the locker room and the battle field. Ozzie Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and ACDC’s “TNT” are blasted through the speakers but drowned out by the excited atmosphere before the game. Hearts beat in unison as the warriors rush out of the tunnel and into their home following male band members waving giant red and white ensigns while being greeted by a legion of fans. Cannons explode and fireworks are shot adding to the deafening thunder. The masses are unsympathetic however to the prey as they march the field. Booing and heckling are just a minor degree of the antagonism and mental suffering they are ready to experience.
I experience the games from about 45 rows back on the north 10 yard line. I’d be happy with any seat in the house. Each play is observed and the games are exhilarating. I feel comfortable here. This is my sanctuary and my home away from home. I enjoy life at Rice-Eccles Stadium. I lost a high school state championship game here but my memories here take me farther back to when I was a small boy who couldn’t throw a football. I’ve seen great things happen here before which will never be forgotten. Especially each win against the Enemy of Decency, the Sultans of Self-Righteousness, the Team Down South.
When the seasons are finished and the holidays pursue. We remember our faith, family, and friends during these times. This is also bowl season and my family is still wearing red. These last wins, and they are always wins, are the final events of the chapter. These games testify that seasons were not flukes. Then the long night of the off-season enters. It is another piece of history in the books, said and done. I have only lived 22 years of my life thus far. Football has greatly influenced my past. In the present I am still affected and there is undoubtedly a future prejudiced by Utah football. It has become more than a convenience or privilege. It has become a necessity in my life. This disease is the fuel that keeps me running. This fixation is the secret motivation that pushes me. My obsession occupies my thoughts and decides my emotions.
My name is Dan. I’m 22 years old and I’m grossly obsessed with Utah Ute Football.
There was some silly banter below about the Founders who signed the Declaration 232 years ago today. That's all fine, and they themselves were a bare-knuckled bunch, politically, who liked to mix it up as they made decisions.
But I like to remind myself from time to time that whatever else might be said about those guys, they would have been hanged if the Revolution had not been successful, and they knew it as they signed that document.
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
It's about 70* and humid, and raining. It's supposed to let up by tonight in time for neighborhood BBQ and fireworks. Here's to a relaxing holiday for all.
(NM) means No Message was included
in the post, so don't bother clicking on it.
On the internet, there are people called "Trolls" --
not because they look like monsters -- but because they troll around
different message boards, throwing out little baited
hooks hoping to get a bite from some eager fish. And
like any fisherman, the Trolls won't
stay very long if no one bites
Time And TV Set For Utah-Michigan Game The time and television for Utah's season-opening football game against Michigan have been finalized, meaning game times for Utah's entire 2008 schedule are now available.
Crawford Joins Baseball Staff Head coach Bill Kinnenberg announced the addition of Mike Crawford to the University of Utah baseball coaching staff. Crawford, who will serve as Utah's pitching coach, comes to Utah after a two-year stint as the associate head coach at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz.
Ute Swimmers Continue at Olympic Trials Incoming Utah swimmers Whitney Lopus and Hannah Caron continued at the 2008 Olympic Trials on Tuesday, July 1, with the 200 IM and 200 free preliminary races.
Crump To Join Volleyball Program Utah head women's volleyball coach Beth Launiere has announced the addition of Corinne Crump to the incoming fall class.
Women's Basketball Unveils 2008-09 Non-Conference Schedule The University of Utah women's basketball team will hit the ground running in 2008-09 as the first six games of the year have the Utes locking horns with teams that made it to the postseason last year.
Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule Finalized Keeping with his philosophy that to be a great team you must play great teams, Utah men's basketball coach Jim Boylen has crafted one of the toughest non-conference schedules in school history. With four marquee teams booked for Huntsman Center appearances, the Utes will play their best home schedule since the early 1970s. Season tickets are on sale now at UtahUtes.com and the Rice-Eccles Stadium box office.
Endersen Named Third-Team Academic All-American University of Utah track and field and cross country standout Lauren Endersen has been named a third-team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Track Signs Three More to National Letter-of-Intent University of Utah track and field head coach Kyle Kepler announced the signing of three more prospects to National letters-of-intent today. The veteran head coach signed one of the top throwers in the state of Utah, netting Candus Aiello (Riverton HS/Riverton, Utah). Kepler will also add two international students in Klaudia Rokossa (Munster, Germany) and Lucy Yates (St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England/St. Albans Academy).
Incoming Swimmers to Compete at Olympic Trials Incoming swimmers Whitney Lopus and Hannah Caron will compete at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, held June 29 through July 6 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Deseret First Duel Rivalry Cup Set for July 3 The second-annual Deseret First Duel Rivalry Cup will be held Thursday, July 3 at Thanksgiving Point Golf Club. The event, presented by Ken Garff, pits University of Utah fans, coaches and alumni against their Brigham Young University counterparts.
Johnson One of 26 Candidates For Golden Arm Award University of Utah senior quarterback Brian Johnson has been named one of 26 candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The award's criteria include athletic success, off-field citizenship and scholastic achievement.
Utefans.Net News:
2008 CFN Utah Preview
BYU, BYU, BYU. It's all about BYU and it's "Quest For Perfection," but shhhhhh, here's the little secret that'll quickly get out: Utah might be every bit as good.
While the Cougars are being hailed as possible BCS busters, if that term even really appl - CFN.com
DIRECTV launching MountainWest Sports Network Aug. 27
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider will launch the MountainWest Sports Network - The Mtn. on Aug. 27. Fans from across the country will now have the ultimate access to Mountain West Conference spo - KSL.com
Leilani Mitchell Drafted By Phoenix
Leilani Mitchell was selected in the second round by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Draft. Leilani was the 25th overall pick. - SL Tribune
Utah Utes football: Johnson sets sights on big year
Utah quarterback Brian Johnson has a long list of things to do this spring. The senior is determined to become an even greater student of the game and work on the little details it takes to help win games. He's also dedicated to giving proper treatment to - D-News
Gridiron Bash events canceled over NCAA rules
The cancellation comes after some schools raised questions about whether the participation of football players in a pep rally at the concerts would constitute a violation of NCAA rules prohibiting special benefits for student-athletes. - Knoxnews
Cowboys slam Utes
Utah coach Jim Boylen was less than pleased when the Wyoming Cowboys finished off a 72-64 win at the Arena-Auditorium on Saturday with an alley-oop jam as time expired. "We wouldn't have done that," Boylen said afterwards. - Casper Star-Tribune
Utah men's basketball: Utes lose at Wyoming
Though center Luke Nevill responded to being benched alongside point guard Tyler Kepkay by scoring 22 points in just 22 minutes, the Utes still shot poorly for most of the game and lost 72-64 at the Arena-Auditorium. - SL Tribune
Rittenberg: Non-BCS spring power rankings
4. Utah Utes What we know: Quarterback Brian Johnson and running back Darrell Mack are back after leading the Utes to wins in eight of their final nine games last season. - ABC
Utes look for end to skid
For the second time this season — in fact, for the second time during Mountain West Conference play — the Utah basketball team finds itself in the midst of a three-game losing streak. - Deseret Morning News
Men's Hoops: Jockeying for a tournament seed
Instead of finding themselves locked in a tight battle for one of the top four seeds in the upcoming MWC tournament, the Runnin' Utes are in a three-way tie for fifth place after a tough road loss to TCU on Wednesday night. - Daily Utah Chronicle
Ute football: Utes get early commit from Jordan lineman
Utah's football team still hasn't finalized its 2008 recruiting class, but that doesn't mean the Utes are waiting to get started on 2009. Utah picked up an oral commitment from Vyncent Jones, a 6-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Jordan High. - SL Tribune
Ute womens' basketball: Utes win 19th straight, ties for MWC title
Always the motivator, Utah coach Elaine Elliott looked at her injury-depleted squad of nine players prior to the start of this season and compared them to the 1977 group that won a then record 18 straight games - with just seven players. - SL Tribune
Women's Hoops: Records are made to be set
Get out the history books -- some revisions are in order. After downing TCU on Wednesday night, the U women's basketball team secured its place in Utah basketball history with an unprecedented 19th-straight win. - Daily Utah Chronicle
Men's Hoops: Runnin' Utes drop third straight
Going into Wednesday night's contest at TCU, Runnin' Utes head coach Jim Boylen knew his team had to stop the Horned Frogs' dynamic trio of Brent Hackett, Kevin Langford and Alvardo Parker.
So much for preparation. - Daily Utah Chronicle
Utah Utes basketball: Utes' assistant takes Pepperdine job
Utah assistant basketball coach Marty Wilson will be heading back to Pepperdine University at the conclusion of the season as the Waves' associate head coach with the probability of becoming the school's head coach in the near future. - Deseret Morning News
Gymnastics notes: Utes not repeating the error of their past ways
Watching Utah sophomore Jamie Deetscreek fall off the balance beam Friday had to be a jolt for Utah fans, who have probably gotten accustomed to seeing Utah's gymnasts complete one routine after another without a fall. - SL Tribune
Gymnastics: Red Rocks don't love Thursdays
On any given Thursday between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., head coach Greg Marsden announces the starting lineups for the upcoming meet. Given Utah's talent breadth, this weekly ritual has become a daunting moment. - Daily Utah Chronicle
Utah's Bryant wins another MWC weekly award
Utah's Johnnie Bryant was named the Mountain West Conference player of the week for the second time in three weeks Monday, after averaging 21.5 points in victories over UNLV and Air Force last week. - SL Tribune
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