Crossover Radio is the exclusive radio partner of Bethany (OK) High School Athletics. As I am a part of Crossover Radio, part of my responsibility is that I help with color commentary for the football team. Although I describe this as a responsibility, as a football fan this is the most fun I’ve had with the sport ever.
The lessons that are in high school football are numerous, but this season in our country has revealed one more lesson that is pertinent to today.
These kids compete. These kids are incredible athletes. These kids play hard, and they want to win. Because of the nature of football, sometimes their sense of competition overcomes them and things get “chippy.” There is no doubt that these kids are passionate about the game and about their teammates.
Some games are more intense than others. Some games have more scuffles than others. All games though have one thing in common: at the end of the game, these kids line up and shake each other’s hands. Not only that, many of them linger around on the field to have a discussion with their opponents.
What a lesson! After hours of participating in a violent game and after perhaps exchanging unpleasantries on the field, these kids leave it on the field. After the match, they interact with each other with greater respect because of the contest.
We’ve lost that. More and more our ideological opponents have become our enemies. More and more, learning that there are differences in perspective and thought have become deal breakers. More and more, our elected leaders have a political disincentive to show up with someone who is a member of a different party than their own.
We have different perspectives. We, as a country, have different ideas on governance, economics, and culture. Those differences are sincerely held, and we can be passionate about those beliefs. But when the last vote is cast, and it is time to get on with the business of the country, perhaps its time to meet at the 50-yard line and say “good game.”
