Upon first visiting the University of Alabama as a prospective high school senior, it was impossible not be be enamored by the brand experience. As my parent’s car drove me down University Boulevard, I was swept away by the a lush, lively quad, dotted with ancient trees, full of life. The starkest contrast formed a perimeter, comprised by ancient antebellum buildings that held more stories than the books that fill Gorgas Library.
I found the crossroads of tradition and life in Alabama Athletics. The young men and women that sacrifice their time to bear the torch that is the University’s history are truly examples for us all. I had no choice. I had to become involved in the hullabaloo! While I didn’t posses the physical characteristics necessary to join any UA sports team, I did have other qualities I could give my school. I’m a passionate guy, and it can be hard to get me to stop talking. I knew I had to join, I had to get on the bus, or hop on the train, or ride the Crimson Tide.
University of Alabama Athletics is possible one of the greatest collective action stories I know. It’s literally millions of people coming together for one cause. We perform better than politicians. We get things done. We produce champions, because we are champions. I strive to be a champion when I get up early to meet and greet wheelchair basketball players for early morning practices. A fan strives when they arrive on a Friday in the Fall early enough to fire up their grill on Saturday morning. Not to be cliché, but we’re all a part of the Process. Our sports journalism here at the Capstone is one of the best in the country, and there’s a reason for that. The reason is that anything less than the best isn’t acceptable.
When I was faced with a task or challenge growing up, my father would lay out two options. “Do it right, or don’t do it at all,” he would say. I would like to think I’m still following that maxim, among others. I know this University lives by it too. So I’ll continue covering sports here at the Capstone. Why? Because I’m a part of the whole.
The next athletic event I’ll be covering is the Intercollegiate National Tournament for University of Alabama Wheelchair Basketball, men and women’s. While I wasn’t able to stream last weekend’s Medical Direct Classic, I believe there will be internet at the Lakeshore Foundation. If interested, tune in to UStream, the link which I’ll be posting next Friday. The tournament starts Thursday, March 7th, and Maggie O’Keeffe and I will begin providing coverage on the 8th. Until next week, Roll Tide.
Matt Moore is a sophomore majoring in public relations and political science.
