When I watch our Buffs – even in their loss, I see belief, hope, and an unbounded (if not sometimes misdirected) desire to succeed. I see errors of effort, mistakes of intensity, and even simple human imperfection. It is unquestionably clear that each of them strive not just for themselves but for their teammates, their coaches, and – yes – even for us. This is a group of young men upon which the weight of so much negative history unyieldingly rests. They are not responsible for ten years of difficulties, ten years of administrative struggles, ten years of less than optimal choices and results. Yet, in each mistake they make, it is obvious the personal responsibility of this massive weight that they have taken upon themselves to craft- through their own sweat and struggle - a new, brighter future.
How can any of you distain this? It is not properly presented to you as a feast for your gluttonous enjoyment?
Is there any question as to the absolute commitment Mike Macintyre has made to each of his players, to each of his coaches, and to each “fan”? Is there any question of his qualifications or ability to lead, organize, inspire, and motivate?
Yet, such anger. Such frustration. Such vitriol.
I wonder about people capable of turning their backs on the good faith of others so easily. Don’t spout to me the length of time you have “suffered” in hopes of just a reasonable chance at a winning season. Your effort is minimal. Your “commitment” requires no sacrifice. Your “pain” exists only in your own mind, as you selfishly wager your emotional angst only on a positive result over which you have no control; and then, you chide those who do not provide it to you.
If you were eight years old, you’d be sent to your room without dinner, and still the behavior has not outgrown the developing loss of your hair. Somehow the imagined language o the back of the ticket stub you lord over the justifications for your immaturity guarantees every “buyer” fair basis to spout such self-important nonsense.
None of those who slap their bathwater in tantrum should be permitted the exultation of the successes that will – someday – arrive. Of course, there is no doubt, they will fully suckle at the pleasurable emotions of those days, with no guilt over the barbs issued nor concern at the hypocrisy of their easy vacillations.
So, I ask one question: What does it mean to believe?
Win or lose, what right do those of us merely watching have to the fruits or spoils of the result? Why should those of us behind the sidelines feel the power to demand while offering none of the effort to succeed? Perhaps, again, you point to that small penance indecipherably inscribing the indelible compact to your attendance? Well, if the loss of a few dollars here and there forms the “sacrifice” upon which you are willing to abandon your heart and empathy, I wonder if you ever had either at any point.
I believe our Buffs will grow into a football force with which to be reckoned.
I believe that our Buffs will make many mistakes, and suffer more losses along the way.
I believe that each of them will ache for their mistakes and perceived inadequacies in ways I will never know and never be capable of remedying.
I believe that good, strong, bright, dedicated people do not always win.
I believe that good, strong, bright, dedicated people do not always have to win to represent the best of themselves.
I know that my team will always have my support, win or lose, good or bad, easy or hard.
I believe that is all I have to offer them.
I also believe it is the best I have to offer.
And, I wonder if such beliefs are slowly fading. They certainly are not “trending.”
How can any of you distain this? It is not properly presented to you as a feast for your gluttonous enjoyment?
Is there any question as to the absolute commitment Mike Macintyre has made to each of his players, to each of his coaches, and to each “fan”? Is there any question of his qualifications or ability to lead, organize, inspire, and motivate?
Yet, such anger. Such frustration. Such vitriol.
I wonder about people capable of turning their backs on the good faith of others so easily. Don’t spout to me the length of time you have “suffered” in hopes of just a reasonable chance at a winning season. Your effort is minimal. Your “commitment” requires no sacrifice. Your “pain” exists only in your own mind, as you selfishly wager your emotional angst only on a positive result over which you have no control; and then, you chide those who do not provide it to you.
If you were eight years old, you’d be sent to your room without dinner, and still the behavior has not outgrown the developing loss of your hair. Somehow the imagined language o the back of the ticket stub you lord over the justifications for your immaturity guarantees every “buyer” fair basis to spout such self-important nonsense.
None of those who slap their bathwater in tantrum should be permitted the exultation of the successes that will – someday – arrive. Of course, there is no doubt, they will fully suckle at the pleasurable emotions of those days, with no guilt over the barbs issued nor concern at the hypocrisy of their easy vacillations.
So, I ask one question: What does it mean to believe?
Win or lose, what right do those of us merely watching have to the fruits or spoils of the result? Why should those of us behind the sidelines feel the power to demand while offering none of the effort to succeed? Perhaps, again, you point to that small penance indecipherably inscribing the indelible compact to your attendance? Well, if the loss of a few dollars here and there forms the “sacrifice” upon which you are willing to abandon your heart and empathy, I wonder if you ever had either at any point.
I believe our Buffs will grow into a football force with which to be reckoned.
I believe that our Buffs will make many mistakes, and suffer more losses along the way.
I believe that each of them will ache for their mistakes and perceived inadequacies in ways I will never know and never be capable of remedying.
I believe that good, strong, bright, dedicated people do not always win.
I believe that good, strong, bright, dedicated people do not always have to win to represent the best of themselves.
I know that my team will always have my support, win or lose, good or bad, easy or hard.
I believe that is all I have to offer them.
I also believe it is the best I have to offer.
And, I wonder if such beliefs are slowly fading. They certainly are not “trending.”