Blog Entry #2

     The "greatest" game one ever witnesses remains a completely subjective topic. However, at a certain point, doesn't it become obvious that some athletes perform in leagues of their own, in what seems to be super-human ways? After reading The Greatest Game I Ever Saw (Klosterman), I became overcome with awe and most every previous understanding of sporting magnificence flew out the door, along with perception of the aspects of basketball.
     This essay reveals, from under a cloak of non-occurrence, a Native American athletic event that today, I believe would make ESPN "front-page" news. The conditions of which an ultimate underdog basketball team from North Dakota overcame unequal portrayal and treatment to win a game in which they only had three men on the court is recalled. The nostalgic attitude of the writer sets the reader right in the middle of the game, although very few were really present at the actual game over two decades ago. It is made very clear that the author's outlook on life was largely impacted by this game, for his memory comes across so clear it is as if he had just watched the game yesterday.
     The nostalgic style in which the writer recalls that game helped me to personally reflect upon what memories I have of sports events and what an important role memory plays in the world of sports. For my first essay, I look forward to incorporating my personal memories of basketball games, practices, coaches, players, and events with an understanding of what those memories truly mean to me today and how those events impact my daily life and decisions.
     Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio (Wright) is not written in prose as the previous selection is, rather it takes the form of a short poem. This poem serves as an autobiographical account that the author encountered when he was younger. This memory of a northern American Friday night high school football game colors the setting of proud fathers watching their young sons fight and "gallop terribly against each other's bodies" for victory. This poem speaks to social concerns of that time period through a clear scene that is common in the American small town, even today. I believe this account helps to define a community pass time and perhaps serves as a blanket that covers the issues of the day. Yet through this poem, the blanket is symbolically lifted to reveal the raw truths of each line and scene of the memory.
     Within my first essay, I hope to reveal and share with others my intimate memories of basketball and the addicting adrenaline that drove me to live the sport for ten years. My clearly vivid memories of coming dangerously close to unconsciuosness, the blood, sweat, and real tears shed for the sport that I called my own will be depicted. I will incorporate elements of the two assigned readings with regards to memories and the deep, warm, passionate nostalgia I feel when looking back on my favorite sport. Most importantly, basketball, football, no matter the sport, these all share a common sense of loyalty, community, togetherness, and ultimate determination, all of which are shared through "The Greatest Game," "Autumn Begins," and my upcoming essay.