A Classical Gas

My family and I have just returned from the Florida Classic football at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Bethune Cookman University, my wife's undergrad alma mater, lost to Florida A & M... my late father-in-laws Alma mater, as well as many other members of the family on my wife's side.

To the players and the schools, this is the Superbowl, as I quickly learned in my first Classic experience. The bands as well, I might add. But there were no losers Saturday. These are two historical Black Universities...and, not the only two. And, the kinship was palpable. No jeering. No fighting among fans. No animosity or nastiness. Just a good-natured rivalry which was enjoyed by a huge crowd of fans who look forward to the event each year.

And, make no mistake, it IS an event. It was a great example of what good, clean sportsmanship is about on and off the field. Coaches shaking hands with each and every one of their players during warm ups. Alums aging from their 20's, I dare say, to and past the century mark getting acquainted and reacquainted.

The halftime show was tremendous. The F.A.M.U. Band was out standing, but the marching 100 is more like the marching 350 these days. (They had us outnumbered)

Good food, good friends-old and new-good fellowship and good times. I'm the better man and fan for attending. I didn't attend an H.B.C.U., but as a man of color who is proud of his lineage, I wish I had...and, I'm glad my wonderful wife did.

However, please understand...games like the classic are for everyone of every color who enjoy sports for what they should be. Not just to watch guys playing for draft position on the board are rankings in the B.C.S.

Do yourself a favor and attend an H.B.C.U. event soon. Just don't try to get our seats. They are already spoken for. :)

Bethune vs. FAMU

Just a short note. We have arrived in the greater Orlando are for tomorrow's game between Bethune Cookman and FAMU. I am tickled on a number of different levels, then first being my wife is a BC alumnus and the most beautiful AKA God ever created. Second, my late great father-in-law was a rattler. Will watch and report!

Thanks To All The Vets

As we launch our website, and a whole new chapter in my career, I just wanted to take a moment to thank all our brave service personnel who make it possible for me to enjoy such freedom.

The thing that strikes me the most is that each and every one I've known or met signs up of their own free will to serve their country, be wounded for it, and too often, to die for it.

Two things happened to me this summer to drive the point home. We visited Arlington National Cemetery. If you haven't done so, put it on your list. The other was to watch a large group of Air Force Reserve recruits sworn in before a big league baseball game crowd. They were all just kids...mere high schoolers...acne and all. God bless them, for we know not how many will be taking that one way trip to Arlington some day themselves.

I long ago ceased using the word 'hero' in reference to athletes... since 9/11 in fact. Above are just a few more of the reasons.

Again, thank you vets.