Sunday, November 14, 2010

Why We Play

We've discussed the benefits of participating in sports before. They include physical, academic, and social. Recently I discussed "nonlinear" thinking, specifically discussing Melrose's remarkable volleyball run.

Athletes, friends and family, and fans experience unique emotion not available day-to-day with rare exception.

Sometimes the events involve your favorite professional teams...but they're not 'personal'.

No matter our means, we can't buy or store the euphoria of victory, the intersection of adrenaline and serotonin that effortlessly appear. How many non-athletic events can produce the same experience intensity? The birth of a child, a special relationship, or a unique achievement or award might do it, but how often do truly special memories happen?

Image for MaxPreps Video.

Melrose volleyball has given us so many of these moments...just to name a few:

  • 2002 Overtime comeback 5 set playoff win against Dracut
  • 2003 D2 North title against undefeated AC that had not lost an individual game
  • 2004 D2 North title against Dracut
  • 2005 5 set victory against D1 state champion runner-up Andover
  • 2005 D2 North title run and state championship appearance
  • 2008 comeback victory against North Reading
  • 2009 victory against undefeated Barnstable
  • 2009 D2 North 5 set win against North Reading 
  • 2010 D2 North 5 set win against Bishop Fenwick 
How many of us can quickly name the last five Presidents or governors? But if someone asks us our favorite grammar school or high school teacher or coach, would we have no answer?

I've been fortunate to be a small part of a special environment, as a volleyball parent (2002-2005) and a  peripheral reporter since. I've been lucky to share the thrill of victory, the indelible memories, and am old enough not to take them for granted. Hold on to your dreams...and make some more memories. 

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