One of my biggest flaws is unfounded cynicism. These days it is mostly manifested in my weird perception of the present. For some reason I am the type of guy who would put the '08 Celtics championship on a lower rung than the '84 chip just because one of them happened in my lifetime, for some reason 1984 just sounds more prolific than 2008, stupid I know. The truth of the matter is that Kobe/Pau vs. The Big Three while both groups were at their peak might go down in history as even bigger than Magic/Kareem vs. Bird/McHale. By the same logic there is no reason other than cynicism to think that Kid A isn't just as good or dare I say better than what The Beatles put out. Jay Z is probably better than 'Pac and Kanye is definitely better than Nas. For some reason all of this seemed like it should have an asterisks next to it or be said with hesitation up until last night.
Tigers beat the spread by +12 to take down OU for the first time in 12 years. After the game students rushed the field as the marching mizzou came back on the field and played the fight song. The victory cements Missouri's presence in the conversation for not only the big 12 title but also for a possible national championship. Up until last night if I had read that I would have subconsciously placed the year around the '60s or '70's. However, as everyone knows that happened last night. History was made on Faurot Field and I got to be there in the 5th row watching it happen, I got to be knocked off the bleachers when we ran the first kickoff back for a touchdown, I got to listen as 71,000 fans screamed ZOU every time Gabbert got a clutch first down, and best of all I got to resist orders and rush the field with the rest of the student section as we got to celebrate possibly the biggest win in mizzou history. It also happens to be the most notable time in my life that I have felt like a part of history, and maybe the only time in my life that I have been physically present at something that isn't just noteworthy but might be the most noteworthy. Whenever Obama won I knew that history was being written but I also didn't care all that much because I don't expect much from politicians, I'm sure I would have gotten caught up in the moment had I been in Grant Park though. The reason last night had such an impact on me is that rather than watching a video of people thousands of miles away being overtaken by a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives I was in the video on the front page of espn celebrating on the field.
I could go on for several more paragraphs just about the game and the atmosphere, but I don't want to forget to mention/thank Shawn, Koleen, Morgan, and Dorothy for being such a big part of the weekend too. One of my favourite parts of homecoming was just being on campus walking around on thursday and friday and that would not have been nearly as fun if I had to be alone. You guys made me feel pretty lucky.
As if this month couldn't get any better next week has another big challenge for mizzou, several good NFL games, and the start of one of the most anticipated NBA seasons ever. Life continues to be excellent in pretty much every way.
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