They Reminisce Over You

Welcome to the 1st edition of the Full Court Press! Here, we’re using sports to remind us of what once was good, and what could be again. I’m just a one-man band putting together some thoughts - care to join me?

It doesn’t teach me anything. It’s geared towards a generic bro crowd with memes and vulgarity. I find sports to be the most impactful unifier in the world.

As a diehard of any team, meeting another fan is an instant connection. Thinking back about your favorite player’s best moment or your favorite team’s crashout brings up intense emotions on both sides. If you’re doing it correctly, sports make you care like nothing else.

I want to use this newsletter as a way to appreciate moments in sports that make me smile, cry, laugh, and everything in between. History, trivia, clips… there is so much to learn about life through sports.

And I haven’t even mentioned playing it! I’ve only talked about watching it so far!

Heck, watching the end of the Steelers/Ravens game to end the 2025 NFL regular season brought on multiple screams from my couch. And I don’t even necessarily like either team!

Let’s dive into the wonder of sports again as it reminds us who we really are.

Virgil Van Dijk came to Liverpool in 2018 as the most expensive center back transfer in Premier League history. How does one feel about that?

“Pressure is a privilege,” he said.

It’s easy to avoid failure. I know I’ve gotten really good at it over the course of my life. But, if you don’t step up to the plate, there’s no chance of getting on base.

I’m doing this as a way of getting in the batters box. Stepping on the pitch. Checking in at the scorer’s table. I’m tired of not failing.

Oh, dear reader, where might you be succeeding in your goal of “not failing”? Has it led you to actually achieving great things? Or just avoiding embarrassment?

What a blessing to be known and to have tried. To have played a game and failed. To have tried and succeeded. They’ll reminisce over you.

I’m fascinated by the internet rumor mill churning that Indiana must be cheating to have had the success that they’ve had this season.

Underdog stories are some of the great joys of sports (and life). Linsanity. Aggie Volleyball beating three #1 seeds (I’m biased). Henry Rowengartner winning the pennant.

But, fly too close to the sun and eventually the wings start to melt. Not from the sun, but from the microscope that society puts on you.

What’s the lesson here?

To the naked eye, the Cignetti Crew has done everything right. They’re not a group of 5-star athletes. They’re incredibly disciplined and play fundamental, experienced football. But suggesting cheating is… plausible?

Indiana losing to Miami in the title game on Monday will be glorious for some: those who root for the downfall of others performing above their previously stated capabilities.

I’m always nervous that success will expose me. Shine a light on my insecurities so that others can point and laugh. Where does that come from?

Cignetti’s Hoosier team isn’t out to impress anyone. They don’t care about the fanfare. I’m sure the noise - positive or negative - is drowned out in their building.

Here’s to sticking to the routine, putting in the daily work, and not being afraid of being exposed. Because if we’re true to ourselves, the only thing being “exposed” is who we truly are.

Oh, and trying to mimic Fernando Mendoza’s interview persona in my morning affirmations in front of the bathroom mirror would help, too.

In today’s history lesson, let’s revisit the Spirit of St. Louis.

Marvin Barnes was a force in the ABA, winning Rookie of the Year and earning back-to-back All-Star nods in the 1970’s. Off the court, he was Bad News…

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