Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

Well under the bright lights of Las Vegas the Oregon State University football team fell to a talented bunch of football players from Brigham Young University in the MACCO Bowl. What started out as to look like an easy game for the Beavers turned into a windy, disaster. Of course it was just a football game and had no bearing on the way the world turned yesterday but the loss pointed out what has happened to so many of us. The giddy buildup to a big letdown. These student athletes and coaches have worked all year, in fact for some many years, to get to a post season Bowl game. It’s no small feat and to achieve that is a good life experience that they will always have to cherish. But to get blasted like the Beavers did has to sting and I for one know how much the memories of a big loss seem to often outweigh the memories of triumph. That also can apply to the fans who truly believe that they drive the teams on and I believe that is a valid thought. All players like to hear the cheers of their supporters and their supporters love to see their player’s coast to victory.

But let’s drop the sports angle and look at the letdown scenario as it plays out in real life. Perhaps it was the job interview that you had and left with a great feeling only to find out you didn’t get the job. For you guys, how about the time you asked out the girl you had your eye on and thought she was going to say yes only to hear “sorry”. Or girls, how about the time you thought the cool guy was going to ask you out only to hear him ask out another. All of these experiences are logged into your memory somewhere unless you are one of the lucky that just erases things like these and moves on. I’d say that might be the healthiest way to be. Some things need to be remembered but I’d categorize those as necessary life skills and valuable knowledge like don’t use the hair dryer in the shower, shut off the car motor before working on it, don’t leave your wallet on the front seat of your car with the door unlocked. You know, things that really matter. These other momentary tragedies probably won’t amount to more than a lesion in life. They point out that there is no such thing as a perfect world where everything goes one hundred percent your way but they are certainly no reason to stop trying to shot for the moon, trying for the perfect season, let your heart lead you on sometimes and above all remember that if you don’t try, you won’t get anything in return!! To the Beavers, congratulations on a great season and I’m looking forward to next year! To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net.