From the Cheap Seats

As we head towards Turkey Day next week, it’s time to reflect on what we are truly thankful for.
I’m thankful for such sports as baseball, football, basketball and hockey.
These contests have been accepted worldwide as major sports. Others are a little bit more controversial.
Lately, every time I turn on the television, I see “sports” being covered that are unique, to say the least.
Over the past year I’ve engaged in many arguments with one professor about the validity of bowling as a sport. She maintains that bowling is a fat-bellied, beer-guzzling, typical redneck activity.
Last year, she and I had lengthy discussions (arguments) about what is and what is not a sport. A few we agreed upon, like ballroom dancing (an Olympic event), should be considered dance, not a sport.
Recently, there has been a huge explosion in the popularity of televised poker championships. Poker is not a sport. It is a game: a game of chance. Don’t get me wrong, some skill is involved. Like the Kenny Rogers’ song says, “You got to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.”
Poker’s fundamental goal is to win money, not entertain. Arguably, most widespread sports now (basketball, baseball and football) seem to be more about money than the entertainment.
Then certain oddities make it to sport status. Like who can eat the most hotdog’s in a 60-second period. This is a bizarre talent. Granted it is a talent, but a sport? It’s entertaining to some people. The pay can’t be that great, but I guess it is all you can eat.
Speaking of talented individuals, spelling is really challenging. The pressure young kids feel under the lights and in front of a huge crowd of other kid’s families must be enormous.
However, is the national spelling bee championship really worthy of sports coverage? What is the future of the sport? Are there endorsements? Will little Tommy drop his amateur status and declare him self eligible for a draft for the next level?
Spelling is a great skill and will come in handy in many jobs, but it is not a sport.
So, what makes a sport a sport? There is no clear-cut definition as to the classification of a sport. Everyone is going to have a different opinion.
So, I guess what makes a sport is up to the viewer. A sport is in the eye of the beer-holder.
Since this is my last column of the semester, we once again have some goodbyes to say. Most of our photography department is leaving with the departure of Kim Willman and Rebecca Ledford.
Rebecca, I didn’t get to know you that well over the semester, but you took really good photos. I hope that your experiences at The Colonnade were good ones.
Kim, I know we’ve had our fair share of arguments over the past couple of years. However, once we found each other’s limits, we found a new respect for each other. That’s what it all boils down to: respect.
I respect your work (at which you are very skilled) and respect you as a co-worker and, more importantly, as a friend. I hope that whatever road you choose in the future brings you much success.
Finally, it pains me to say goodbye to our former Variety and News Editor Leah Stanley. Leah’s dedication to this paper has been nothing short of incredible.
You’ve kept us laughing with your wonderful sense of humor and unending love for a little man named Billy from Athens.
Leah, if I wasn’t saving myself for Paris or Nicky Hilton, I would so marry you. Seriously, you’re honestly one of the best people that anyone could work with. Although I hate rooting in my column, and have never done it, ‘”From the Cheap Seats,” this one is for you:
Go Dawgs, Sic ”Em, Woof, Woof, Woof.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 21 2003. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry