Glory, Glory To Ole Georgia

I wanted Georgia to win the national championship football game last night. I wanted it with all my heart. The last time the University of Georgia football team won the national title was the semester I graduated from UGA in December of 1980. The game was technically in January of 1981 but the incredible inimitable season was 1980. I love the UGA and UGA football. 

Both of my parents were born and raised in Alabama. My father went to the University of Alabama. I was raised on BAMA football and the Bear Bryant Show.  My 94 year old mother adores the Tide and all things houndstooth related. I am a lifelong Bama fan.  More than fan. It’s in my blood. It’s part of my heritage. I send out a game day text each football Saturday saying: Go Dogs ! Roll Tide ! The game last night was full of many emotions. But truthfully I was totally cheering for my Dawgs last night. It’s been too long. I felt it was our time. 

The old ABC Wide World of Sports teaser described the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. They were talking about football. They were talking about college football. They were talking about the SEC. 

It’s been a tough year. Sports victories are cathartic. I needed a win. 

Of course the team and coaches and support staffs needed a win too. I remember. Those are the folks who took us through this fantastic season. The dramatic wins. The amazing comebacks. The selfless play. The injuries. The sacrifices. The focus. The dedication. The sportsmanship. The humble interviews. 

It would be nice to have a villain. A despised opponent. An unworthy team. But that wasn’t the case. It was BAMA. 

Back to 1980 and 1981.  I remember it like it was yesterday. The joy. The pride. The fun. The celebrations. Just like this year.

Many times this year the Dogs, my Dogs,  made me scream with happiness. They pulled me up. They hunkered down. The smiles. The laughs. The shouts. The hugs. Thanks to my Dogs. 

Life is one big overtime game. It isn’t always fair. It hurts. It’s a rollercoaster on a mountain in a tornado. And it’s tailgating and high fives and cheering and singing the UGA fight song. It’s watching the game with dear friends cheering for different teams. 

Back to last night. I needed a win. I needed to feel that way again.  I woke up this morning and thought about this season of Georgia football and said Go Dogs ! I said it out loud. I said it with enormous love and pride. The Dawgs gave me wins all freaking year. They are my team. To the seniors and the entire roster, I say bravo. You are my Champions. And that’s a win for me.