Sports have always been a big part of my life. I grew up playing a variety of sports and I have developed what should probably be considered as an unhealthy obsession. My wife likes to brag to other people about how I am a virtual encyclopedia of sports trivia while I wonder why I can remember so much about sporting events and forget about everything else. I mark dates in my childhood or can remember where my family was based on a championship game I remember watching or a particular performance I remember seeing that had a lasting impression on me. Even if it is unhealthy, I love watching and talking about sports, and I occasionally write about it on my blog. I think a great deal can be learned about leadership, concentration, and teamwork through sports and watching how athletes respond to adversity. And if for nothing else, I find them to be highly entertaining!
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Favorite Teams
Men's College Basketball
Duke Blue Devils - I bleed Duke blue. I remember becoming a fan of Duke Basketball in 1998 when the Blue Devils were one of the most dominating teams in the country. They lost to UConn in the NCAA Championship game that year but I still believe that was the most talented Duke team I've ever seen. As a fan, it's been great to see the program win two National Championships since I have been following them and I believe I've had the privilege of pulling for the greatest coach in the history of college basketball, Mike Krzyzewski. I've also had the privilege of attending two games in Cameron Indoor Stadium, one of the greatest venues in all of sports. My all-time favorite Duke player is Shane Battier but J.J. Redick (who is from Roanoke, VA) would be a close second. I love the passion and intensity Coach K instills in his players and the fact that they play with maximum effort every time they take the court. I understand when people talk about Duke fans being arrogant and obnoxious, but I try not to be the stereotypical arrogant Duke fan. However, that still doesn't change the fact that I hate everything about the University of North Carolina...particularly Tyler Hansbrough.
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College Football
Georgia Bulldogs - As an alum of the University of Georgia, being a fan of the football team is one of the first things that comes up anytime you tell someone you went to school there. There is nothing like being on campus during a football season at a school in the SEC - the passion is at a different level. When I look back on it, my time at UGA was one of the most successful periods in Georgia football since Herschel Walker was there. You're welcome Coach Richt. I was there when the team won the SEC Championship in 2005 and I also saw them win the Sugar Bowl in 2008 - the year UGA was probably the best team in the country. I was in attendance for the infamous "Blackout" game against Auburn, which still might be the craziest night of my life. And while there has been a great deal of criticism for Mark Richt over the past couple years, I still love the fact that he is the most recognizable figure from my university. The man is incredibly humble and genuine and treats people with compassion and respect.
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BaseballAtlanta Braves - It is tough to describe being a Braves fan. I grew up watching the Braves because they were always on TBS and they became my favorite team more out of familiarity than anything else. I went through a period where I lost interest in the Braves and became bored with baseball in general, but I think I've grown out of that phase. Now, it's more about going through the up-and-down nature of being a fan of the team from Turner Field. It's the excitement of watching them play great on a nine game road trip against some tough teams and then watching them come home and lose four of five against two mediocre clubs. It's the thrill of seeing them have an epic comeback to tie the game, only to see it slip away with a relief pitcher who can't locate his fastball. Or it's the pleasure of seeing them clinch home field advantage for a playoff series, yet lose it in the first game because they have to face a dominant starting pitcher. Essentially, it's the drama and excitement of what makes baseball so great.
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Golf
Phil Mickelson - Even though it's not technically a team, I enjoy watching golf and I'm a huge Phil Mickelson fan. There are moments when it can be agonizing (like this 2012's final round of The Masters) but there are also moments when you are amazed at his talent and creativity. Watching him win his first major championship at The Masters in 2004 will always be one of my favorite memories in sports. I love how Phil talks about the privilege he has of being able to play golf professionally and how he makes a point to enjoy himself in every round and to let the fans know that he appreciates them. And it's admirable to see how he prioritizes his playing schedule around his family so they know they are his first priority. Basically, I love Phil because he's everything Tiger Woods isn't.
Teams I Love to See Lose
North Carolina Tar Heels - As a Duke fan, this is a basic requirement. I'm not a fan of Roy Williams and I think the culture that exists among former UNC players does not reflect well on the university. For example, Rasheed Wallace was a Tar Heel. Enough said.
Florida Gators - Similar to the Duke/UNC rivalry, I'm required to hate Florida because of my allegiance to UGA. However, many Florida fans I've met are surprisingly arrogant about their teams while having no actual knowledge of what they are talking about. Rivalries aren't nearly as fun when the fans are clueless. There's also a bit of jealousy due to the fact that Florida is good at EVERYTHING.
Boston Celtics - I will probably take the Celtics off this list once Kevin Garnett is gone. Wait...maybe once Garnett AND Rajon Rondo are gone.
Tiger Woods - Even before his Secret Service worthy sexcapade, I couldn't stand Tiger Woods. I've always felt like he had a lack of respect for the game of golf and got away with whatever he wanted because of his success. Now, he carries himself the same way but everyone is paying more attention because there is no success attached to it.
Virginia Tech Hokies - It's a local thing. Being from Roanoke, all I ever hear about is how Virginia Tech teams don't get any respect from the national media and how ESPN is out to get them. Anytime the Hokies are left out of the NCAA Basketball Tournament or they don't make the BCS Championship game, people complain that there is some sort of agenda against the university. Get a grip. And quit losing to mediocre teams.
Ohio State Buckeyes - I used to be indifferent toward Ohio State...and then they hired Urban Meyer.
Tim Tebow - I'm probably going to hell for this, but I'm not a Tim Tebow fan. I think he is overrated as a football player and LOVES having his name mentioned.
Florida Gators - Similar to the Duke/UNC rivalry, I'm required to hate Florida because of my allegiance to UGA. However, many Florida fans I've met are surprisingly arrogant about their teams while having no actual knowledge of what they are talking about. Rivalries aren't nearly as fun when the fans are clueless. There's also a bit of jealousy due to the fact that Florida is good at EVERYTHING.
Boston Celtics - I will probably take the Celtics off this list once Kevin Garnett is gone. Wait...maybe once Garnett AND Rajon Rondo are gone.
Tiger Woods - Even before his Secret Service worthy sexcapade, I couldn't stand Tiger Woods. I've always felt like he had a lack of respect for the game of golf and got away with whatever he wanted because of his success. Now, he carries himself the same way but everyone is paying more attention because there is no success attached to it.
Virginia Tech Hokies - It's a local thing. Being from Roanoke, all I ever hear about is how Virginia Tech teams don't get any respect from the national media and how ESPN is out to get them. Anytime the Hokies are left out of the NCAA Basketball Tournament or they don't make the BCS Championship game, people complain that there is some sort of agenda against the university. Get a grip. And quit losing to mediocre teams.
Ohio State Buckeyes - I used to be indifferent toward Ohio State...and then they hired Urban Meyer.
Tim Tebow - I'm probably going to hell for this, but I'm not a Tim Tebow fan. I think he is overrated as a football player and LOVES having his name mentioned.
