Mugs and football

As I was enjoying some coffee on my day off, I thought about the collection of coffee mugs we have. Coffee mugs are something that you should never buy for yourself. They should be gifts. Who wants to go out to the store and purchase a coffee mug? Everyone that we own are gifts, either from our wedding registry or were given away. I have a few from work, a few from when I work on Mackinac Island and were given away at the end of the year, and some from my family that were given as gifts. All the rest? Part of our wedding registry. Just something to think about.

This afternoon, the college football game with the most history behind it is going to be played. Not Michigan/Ohio State. Not Notre Dame/USC. Not Texas/Oklahoma. Not even Harvard/Yale. It's the Army/Navy game. As far as relevancy on the whole scheme of things, not so much. These football programs have not been a deciding factor for college football since before I was born. This game is significant for anyone that enjoys thinking about history as it pertains to sports. It has been played since 1890 and although it is not the oldest rivalry, it is significant because of the institutions that play the game. With few exceptions, those who play this game, a professional sports career is out of the question. The future for these young men is in defense of the country (make note that this is about as patriotic as I get) and that is more important than any other profession out there. At the end of it all, it's all about their service to the country.

I love that at the end of the game, both teams show respect towards each other as their alma mater song is played and sung by the student body. Both teams travel to the respective ends of the field and stand quietly while the other institution's song is played/sung. It shows solidarity and respect that they have for each other. Something you will never see in any other rivalry in college or professional sports. Perhaps it should be, no?

As of late, the rivalry has been slanted in favor of Navy (they have won the last eight games), but it is still great to watch and think about the history of the game and the rivalry.