For the Love of the Games

I love pretty much everything about sports.  I love watching them, I love reading about them, I love playing them and yes I love the athletes (Robinson Cano, I see you.  Call me).  Unfortunately this universal love for all things sports and my undying love for specific teams and activities can occasionally pose a conflict of interests.

I recently posted about playing rugby.  I went out and practiced with a team and had a great time.  I was completely gung ho about joining.  That was until I discovered that fall season league games occur during the days on Saturdays.  If you are a sports fan of any merit, you also know that college football games typically take place on Saturdays.  So it has come down to my incredible allegiance to Michigan football (GO BLUE!) or my passion for actually playing sports.

Which one is better: Watching the magic of pro and college level sports where we are often in awe and usually sitting on the ends of our seats viewing some of the best athletes in the world continue to amaze us or being part of the excitement when actually playing the game?  I grew up consistently playing sports of different sorts and know that there is no other feeling like being part of a team and actually being the one making plays.  Ordinarily I suppose my love for playing would outweight my love for watching.

BUT, this is Michigan football we’re talking about.  Sure, these are building years.  Rich Rod has not fully come into his own as the new coach.  Sure last season was the first in 33 years that Michigan did not make a bowl appearance.  It doesn’t matter.  September through November (and hopefully, fingers crossed here, beyond) I live and breath maize and blue.

So for now, I’m sorry rugby, it’s just not working out.  Michigan is my number one.  I hope you’ll answer when I call you in the spring.  No hard feelings.