If you've known me for a little while, it's no secret to you that I love sports. If you've known me within the past 4 years, then you probably have seen my interest in the University of Utah's athletics. Just over a year ago today (June 16 I do believe), our school joined the former Pacific-10 conference, now the Pac-12! Growing up, my dad loved (still loves) the University of Washington. My parents lived in the Tri-cities area during the Don James glory years, so I suppose that's where that came from. Naturally, since my dad was a huge Husky fan, I grew up a relatively large one. My parents also lived in Minnesota for awhile too, and that's why I'm a Vikings fan, but more on that eventually. Basically, I grew up following Pac-10 sports through high school. Washington, UCLA, Arizona, football, basketball, softball, etc. I loved it all. "Conference of Champions" right? Then, once I entered college, I started to dive into some of John Wooden's life, teachings, etc. and my fascination with those schools only grew. And now they're telling me that my school is joining this elite group of research schools? It still hasn't quite hit me. I failed to mention earlier that I was part of the press conference at the Rice-Eccles tower and helped present Commissioner Larry Scott with a glass block U on behalf of the MUSS! Of course, I had TJ (then President of the MUSS) present it, but standing up there with TJ, Jonathan Bowen, Ellen Stemle & Brynn Whitchurch in front of all that media was something to really try and take in. I still hardly believe that it took place. Simply incredible.
It started to hit me that we are part of the Pac-12 when they released the sports schedules. Stanford, Washington, UCLA all popped up for football, soccer, volleyball and basketball. I still get the chills! I mean these are schools that have their names written all over the college sports history books! Wooden's Bruins' 10 national titles, Mike Candrea's softball teams, Stanford's women Final Four appearances...such rich history! And now we are the in the same conversation as them. I don't believe it will hit me until the conference schedule is actually being played, but to see those names on the schedule just sends shock waves through my system. If you've known me for awhile, you'll know that I'm kind of a history buff about some things, and sports definitely fall into that category.
Today I hiked up to the Living Room with my good friend Kim Sorensen and my roommate of the last few years, Zac Spencer. We tried to run up some of the trail and failed relatively early. One day though... :) We sat at our destination for awhile and pondered quietly to ourselves. I quickly found myself lost in a train wreck of thoughts as I overlooked the valley, airport, I-15, Bonneville golf course, and most importantly to me, the University of Utah. The perspective on it all was humbling in a way. I sat there and said, "It all looks so small, so close together." It made me think that it all kind of really is close together. As we walked back down and reached Red Butte Garden, everything's size came back and it all seemed so big. That's just like life isn't it? Always needing to "step back" and see the "big picture" about things, but as soon as we jump back into it all, that rabbit hole that seemed so small is a crater in the earth we have to cross. On the way down, Zac, Kim and I talked about nutrition. Nutrition? Really? 5 years ago I would have laughed and walked out on you if you told me that I could casually talk in depth (and seriously) about the nutritional benefits of certain foods and diets. Oh how life changes right? :)
Well that first post was MUCH longer than I anticipated. Hope it was worth your while!
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