Super Bowl Sunday is here and it's a couple of hours until game time...I would imagine that the players are going through their pre-game routine and trying to control their excitement and energy. I've read that the Super Bowl is the strangest game to play because the crowd is relatively impartial, there are more people on the sidelines, and the timing of warm-ups, kick-off, and half-time are disrupted by all of the pageantry. It's probably not unlike dealing with a championship regatta with weather delays, equipment problems, or a racing foul (like the one we witnessed in the 4- event at the IRA regatta last year...resulting in a complete re-row of the race).Also, the NESCAC squash championships just finished where Trinity faced Williams on the men's and women's sides. Much credit must go the Ephs who played aggressively, fought to the very end of every game, and demonstrated great sportsmanship. I would have expected nothing less from their team.
The match of the day must go to the #1 women's players Lauren Polonich of Trinity and Toby Eyre of Williams (both are ranked in the top 10 nationally). Eyre took the first game while Polonich fought back aggressively to take the next two. Neither let up in the fourth game but Eyre hit some well-placed winners to force a fifth game and seemingly the momentum as well. With both teams and many spectators watching, both players went to the limit physically with the lead changing several times. Polonich eventually took the match with a scream of delight while Eyre yelled and smashed her racket in frustration.It really looked like the two competitors played a match that helped raise both of their games to new heights. While the score was separated by a few mistakes or a few lucky shots the desire and spirit of competition was really compelling. In such a match the whole room was centered on the drama unfolding on the court and I think the players' reaction when the result was decided showed how vulnerable and emotionally invested they were as the match turned into an amazing battle.
I'm not sure if there is such a parallel in rowing other than when you are even with another crew going into the last 500...can you be prepared for the moment and leave nothing in reserve in the tanks, on the erg, in the weight room, or on the water and be satisfied with the result? Are you willing to fail?
Poll Results: Dead lifts and Pull ups even with box jumps and push ups way behind...
Super Bowl Prediction: Patriots 27 Giants 17 (Pick Giants + 12.5 pts)
15 days until the launch of the spring season
