Quite often before an athletic event a panel of Armani suited analysts will predict a winner of the subsequent game. Moreover, with much articulation they will explain why the proposed winner would win. These panelists will explore match up advantages that appear to favor the proposed winner. Though I commonly witness these circumstances prior to a game, I have never been able to agree that these predictions are worthwhile.
Surely, a team that has bigger, stronger and faster players appears dominant to the analysts. Despite this, the unknown or immeasurable quality of heart and determination of a team prevents me from engaging in predictions.
Having played athletics on the collegiate level, I find that this unifying trait of a team can overcome any doubt and chance of a victory proposed by analyst and media. Simply, the immeasurable or unseen heart of a champion can leave these so-called prophets with no other explanation but that an “upset” took place.
When these so-called “upsets” happen, never am I surprised. Outside sources do not realize the degree of camaraderie and unity that can take place inside of a locker room before a game. This togetherness, plus determination and hard work, is capable of offsetting any physical challenge that an opposing team may present.
In this regard, consider recent college football. The University of Utah came into the Sugar Bowl as huge underdogs to the University of Alabama.
As writers, analysts and fans blew Utah off – something that isn’t unusual – fans witnessed the inevitable: a Utah victory.
In the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals are making their first Super Bowl appearance after defeating three excellent teams that they were supposed to lose to. As these feats surprised everyone, I thought about it and realized that the University of Utah and the Arizona Cardinals put on their uniforms the same as their “stronger” opponents.
The dilemma of being an underdog and not being given a chance in athletics can be transferred to daily life. When we allow outside sources and people to dictate our destiny, we should realize that we have a special weapon called self-belief and courage that allow us to overcome any obstacle.
As the Super Bowl approaches observe how the analysts will not give the Arizona Cardinals a chance against the almighty Pittsburg Steelers. I do not support either team, but in the realm of sports and as a motto for everyday life, never underestimate the heart of a champion.
