Roll Tide...Eastertide

Almost as good as "Go Irish"

Only 53% of students at the University of Alabama are from "the Yellowhammer state." 42% are from elsewhere in the US. With their success on the football field, I understand why students who are sports fans are drawn to a big time college experience like "Bama." And that is why a number of my students will be studying in Tuscaloosa this fall (talk about culture shock). 

This is not typical. Cal Berkeley, another Jesuit University like BC, Gonzaga and Fordham seem to be a norm. I celebrate when I hear of a senior who is going to Notre Dame. This spring when three young men told me where they are going to college, there's only one thing I could say in response: "Roll Tide." And the reaction is always the same: a big smile.

Alabama's rally cry garners a lot of attention. What does it mean? Why is it so fun to say?

UA's athletics website explains both the history and meaning of its mascot and their slogan. 

In early newspaper accounts of Alabama football, the team was simply listed as the "varsity" or the "Crimson White" after the school colors.  

The first nickname to become popular and used by headline writers was the "Thin Red Line." The nickname was used until 1906.  

The name "Crimson Tide" is supposed to have first been used by Hugh Roberts, former sports editor of the Birmingham Age-Herald. He used "Crimson Tide" in describing an Alabama-Auburn game played in Birmingham in 1907, the last football contest between the two schools until 1948 when the series was resumed. The game was played in a sea of mud and Auburn was a heavy favorite to win. 

But, evidently, the "Thin Red Line" played a great game in the red mud and held Auburn to a 6-6 tie, thus gaining the name "Crimson Tide." Zipp Newman, former sports editor of the Birmingham News, probably popularized the name more than any other writer. 

According to Connor Adam Sheets,  "'Roll Tide' was said to illustrate the Alabama varsity running on the field. It was said the team looked like the tide was rolling in thus gaining the chant 'Roll Tide.'"

It's not surprising to me that their catchphrase is as ubiquitous as it is. My student informed me that "every letter I get from the University is signed with the closure Roll Tide." ESPN capitalized on this truth with one of my favorite commercials. I think the best humor is born from observation—observing humanity, our quirks and quibbles, our experiences and delights. Certainly, Roll Tide (and the love for one's school) is no exception.

So this Easter Monday, I couldn't help but notice when a colleague signed a letter "Enjoy Eastertide." This was a new phrase to me. Eastertide? I like it!

Eastertide is the Easter Season—the 50 days of celebration of the Lord's resurrection. It concludes with Pentecost. And I think it's important to note that this liturgical season of 50 days trumps the sacrifice and discipline of the 40 days of Lent. A victory in Jesus Christ.

The notion of "tide" has impelled me to think of the enthusiasm by which I should say "Happy Easter." Living in a secular city like San Francisco, I have noticed I held back from saying "Happy Easter." I even said "Happy Easter...or er..Happy Spring." 

But for those with whom I share a common faith tradition, it's time to say it loud and clear. "He is Risen! Alleluia!" We ought to let our lives and our words reveal that death hath no victory. The joy of the season is in the Risen Lord." Eastertide. 

Photo Credits
Roll Tide
Eastertide

Why I Was Not Cheering Against Bubba Watson...

There are a few Mondays of the year I actually look forward to going to work. Perhaps you know what I am talking about—they are usually sports related. When a great game or tournament has transpired over the weekend, I relish the drive to work because my AM sports radio show relives the memories—replete with soundbites, biased analysis and more. By the time I hit the faculty work room, I am so amped up that I should forewarn the first fellow fan I run into. 

This past Monday however was a little different. I don't know how many times I must have said "it was very hard to cheer against the 20-year old golf phenom, Jordan Spieth" on the final round of the 2014 Masters. So difficult that it put many golf fans in an unusual predicament. They found themselves asking: "Was I really cheering against Bubba Watson?" Maybe. Was I? No. Here's why.

To me, Watson represents all we want to be and don't want to be on the golf course.
No one is more tightly wound up on the course that Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson, Jr. I was not surprised in the least when I heard him say "I don't remember the last five holes " at Augusta on Sunday. The man was hanging on for dear life, doing what he could to maintain par. He is quiet and serious because he is nervous and knows that nerves get in the way of good golf. Every golfer knows that is true.

Bubba, Rickie Fowler, Ben Crane & Hunter Mahan: Golf Boys 2.0

And yet we expect the (now) number four golfer in the world to be goofy and silly and fun. Between the name, the strong Southern drawl and the Golf Boys music videos, we hold this impression that he is "easy like Sunday morning." That persona, the one who owns and drives the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard is not on the links. He is not even in the club house. We've seen him at his best and his worst (which I contend isn't that bad). 

NB: Some people don't like Bubba because he barks at his caddy. One incident in particular got a lot of press. It's worth reviewing so you can decide for yourself. Bubba was on the 16th hole and he had a 5-stroke lead on the day. It was quickly diminishing. I'm okay with him losing it in that moment. I know I've lost it before.

And yet we want to drive the ball with the sheer power that he has and the accuracy to keep it in the same state, let alone dead middle of the fairway. Maybe we want to rock a pink driver. Even the female golfers I know and love have a hard time supporting pink gear on the links. Still the way he plays the game leads me to point number two....

It's very hard for a man or woman to rock the pink driver. Props to Bubba

Bubba-golf
Although he did not adorn the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated, I enjoyed the 5-page spread on the Masters: Bubba Golf 2.0" Ben Crenshaw said it best. "He is out of this world, I mean, that drive on 13, are you kidding me? What game is he playing?" I think we know the answer to this—it's called "Bubba-golf."

"It's not golf, it's different than that. It's like a symphony, a painting, sculpture. It's artistic expression. Bubba sees the course in big parabolas and arcs, not in straight lines. The power is one thing, but what makes him so unique is the creativity. Put those together, and he can play this course like nobody else."

Parabolas and arcs...symphony and sculpture. Math and science meet art and music. I should stop right there. But Bubba-golf wouldn't be possible without three very important people: his mother Molly, his late father Gerry and....

His wife Angie. 
What was particularly special about this Masters Championship for Bubba was that his wife and child were able to congratulate him in person. Two years ago, Angie had to stay at home because the "adoption of Caleb was being finalized and Florida law prevented him from leaving the state." (Sports Illustrated)

The Watson family on the 18th hole.

It was a tender moment interrupted by a colleague who referred to Angie Watson as an "Amazon." No matter how you spin it, that is a pejorative, derogatory comment. Perhaps if he knew more about her, he might have kept those words to himself.

Angie played basketball at the University of Georgia where she met Bubba. She continued to play professionally in the WNBA and yes, at 6'4" she is 1" taller than he is. No, she is not a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader or a Swedish nanny. She is an attractive, athletic mother and wife. She is the reason Bubba is a devout Christian. He speaks candidly about his faith and the unwavering support she gives him. Wow, a professional athlete who says all the time "it's a game and I get to do this for a living to support my family. Losing my dad and becoming a father myself remind me of that all the time. Angie has shared all of that with me."

Talkin' Trash.
Of no surprise Watson can talk a good game of trash (during the practice rounds). When paired with Tiger he once said "you wish you could drive it as far as me" to which Woods said "the only W you'll ever see is the one in your last name." Too bad Tiger wasn't at the tourney to change his retort.

Woods lacks a few things...one of them is a sense of humor. But glad to see he finds it in Watson and can give it back.

In a press conference before the final round on Sunday, Jordan Spieth kept referring to Bubba as "Mr. Watson." Was this gamesmanship? Trash talk? When asked about it, Bubba simply said "Well, I'm going to be outdriving him all day, so he needs to call me that."

One of the criterion Bubba holds for Bubba-golf is that it's fun. Trash talk like that is fun...special bonus that he can back it up!

Student-Athlete.
We complain ad nauseum about basketball and football players turning pro before earning their college degree. If you want to lodge said complaints, please include professional golfers in that group.

You will however, have to exclude Bubba from those ranks. Hardly anyone knows or hears about the fact that he returned to UGA to complete his bachelor's degree. 

It's fun for me to think of why we support certain athletes. Why are we drawn to them? What can they teach us? Who do we cheer against others? 

Blixt's caddy couldn't help but show his loyalty & support for his favorite band. Every day was a different Dead shirt.

Unless you are a Deadhead, I find it highly unlikely that you were pulling for the second place Swede, Jonas Blixt. Maybe you caught the Dead logo that his caddy sported all weekend on his t-shirt. Caddies must wear the Augusta National issued white uni. But this guy was as defiant as he could be—lowering the button to reveal that infamous "steal your face" logo. 

I suppose those in golf marketing long for a singular name and face to dominate the game and the ratings in the way that Tiger once did. Not me. The pros vary from youthful to experienced, American to South African. It's any man (or woman's) game right now and the US has a strong contingent. Two of good ones were tied for the lead on the final day of the 2014 Masters. I wasn't cheering against the winner. Quite the contrary, I only found more to appreciate, admire and well...share with others at the water cooler. Until Pinehurst...or maybe Golden State in the play-offs...!

Play-offs
Tightly Wound
With Family
Pink Driver

Holy Week 2014: No Time to Taper

FaithND is a web-source that “invites you to deeply know, love, and serve God — a Notre Dame tradition rooted in the Congregation of Holy Cross.” It aims to serve the "Notre Dame family with shared reflection, learning, prayer, and service to those most in need."

Holy Week is underway! It officially begins with Palm Sunday, and Monday's Gospel reading affirms the journey is well underway. I was asked to share response to it (featured below) which FaithND ran on April 14, 2014. 

I have been humbled by the number of alumni who use the resource. I know because so many of them took a moment out of their busy day to share their gratitude, ideas and connection to it. 

FaithND is but one spiritual discipline available at our fingertips. It is encouraging for me to know we are hungry for the Word and its relevance in our lives, for a community of faith that can break that open for us and the promise of Christ—to be revealed and relived this coming Sunday. But not before the way of the Cross....Happy Holy Week.

Gospel JN 12:1-11

The spiritual discipline of Holy week is counterintuitive for me. As a coach and an athlete, tapering is a welcome and necessary practice before the championship game or meet. The physical and mental training developed over the course of the season is nearly complete. It is time to stay loose and rest. We run through but a few exercises, stretches and drills. We tell one another “we are ready.” However, today’s Gospel reminds us that preparation for Easter is different.

Our Lenten journey does not task us to abandon our sacrifices or rest as Holy Week begins. Quite the contrary, we are invited to go deeper and stay awake. The challenge will increase. The cross must be carried.  Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel reminds me how difficult that will be.

Jesus shares a meal with his beloved friend Lazarus whom he raised from the dead. They linger; the Word tells us they “reclined at the table.” I love to put image to that moment: full bellies and conversation that only close companions can share—surely the intimacy of the evening prompted Mary to do what she did.

How the Lord must have savored this time, only to have the sacramentality of it disrupted by one of his disciples. Judas challenges the anointing of The Anointed.  In response, Jesus proclaims what will be. He will die. He will be buried. He will leave us and many will suffer.

The crowd gathers and the plot thickens—to one of imminent danger and foreboding suspicion. This is not a time to taper; it is not time for resurrection. We must first undertake the way of the Cross.

Lord, give me the strength to walk with you this week.

Photo Credits
Holy Week

Sunday at the Masters...Once Again

Bubba was excited to play with Spieth, who he considers a friend.

Sunday at the Masters. I look forward to this day all year. Golf enthusiasts woke up this morning with anticipation, a nervous energy—the good kind, because you're just never sure how the story will end. You know it will be a good story, often a magical one, but it has to be played.

When I woke up this morning, I felt as though I couldn't lose. I felt particularly lucky as I was excited about the two players tied for the lead, who were at (—5) going into the final round. Since his 2012 victory at Augusta National, it's been hard not to be enthusiastic about the self professed "Christian. Husband. Daddy, Pro-Golfer (Twitter)." Bubba Watson hits the ball off the tee farther than any other player on the tour; his average drive is 317.7 yards. I love to see him just tear it up.

Watson was paired with the 20 year old Jordan Spieth (rhymes with teeth) a Texas gentleman. Profiled in Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year issue, "A Swing and a Hit" reveals that he has "always been an old soul....sir and m'am were built into his vocabulary, and community service was stressed through school and church." Had he won, the Dallas Jesuit High School graduate would have been the tourney's youngest victor. This was his first Masters and certainly not his last.

I like how he points to where his shot is ending up.

Even though most of us will never be able to even attend the Masters let alone play there, we know the intricate details of each hole. We know their names and we know that "Amen corner" will make or break a player (and how Rae's Creek factors into this). I find myself just staring at the natural beauty of the vibrant flora and fauna. I try to imagine what it would be like to be there. And one reason, one singular moment today confirmed why I would want to.

To be honest, today's final round wasn't as exciting and memorable as the others. For the past two years, the winner has been determined by a playoff. A friend asked if I would write about the tourney and I said that nothing really moved me. And I'll be damned if I didn't eat my own words at that moment.

The 2013 champion dresses the 2014 winner.

I had been thinking about what Adam Scott said in an interview after his first round of play on Thursday. Walking up to the 12th hole, he got an emotional standing ovation from the crowd. This iconic spot on "Amen Corner" is where fans welcomed and applauded the 2013 winner. He said it took him by surprise—more than he had expected it would. So much that when he went to tee off on the picturesque par-3 13th hole, he left his tee shot woefully short of the target and ended up in Rae's creek.

It's amazing to me how often golfers can and do flush their emotions and stay focused. Despite the outcome, I doubt that Adam Scott would trade the response and reaction from Augusta National. Welcome back. We honor and respect you. Thank you for a wonderful 2013 championship.

Watson got misty-eyed on the 18th.

With a three shot lead on the 18th hole, Augusta National prepared to give Bubba Watson a second green jacket. Watson drove to the green on his second shot for an potential birdie, likely par and a victory in sight. As he strolled up the fairway to mark his ball, he stood so proud, so humbled and so tall. All eyes were on him—the 2014 champion.

Watson could have reacted a million different ways. Some walk with their caddies. Mickelson makes eye contact with everyone he can. He raises his visors, smiles and nods to the crowd. It's hard not to love him at those moments. But in that moment, Bubba's eyes filled with tears. He didn't try to hold them back and the crowd wouldn't let him. They stood—I stood—and the only thing you see in that moment is one man, his craft and its excellence. 

And I love that moment, simply because I get to take the long look. It's not a run to the pin, there is no music or video to detract from it. It's simply a man who has achieved his dream. It's also time to say "thank you" for another wonderful tournament. Thank you for amazing feats and for supportive fans. 

I do not believe sacramental moments are limited to the competition or the athletes on the field. No, I believe the spectators are witnesses. We call and respond. We support, appreciate and engage. Bubba Watson and Adam Scott were responding to sharing the very best of themselves with others. Yes, they are people they will never know....but they are people, like me who stand in delight, wonder, awe and appreciation for their presence and gifts. This is why we watch, debate and discuss The Masters like it matters. And it does. I can't wait for 2015.

Photo Credits
With Jordan

God is...A Surfer

As a theology teacher I hear a number of names, references and descriptors for G-d. The Divine, Ultimate truth, the Transcendent, Father, Abba, Yahweh, Holiest of Holies. I am fairly deliberate in my attempt to use non-gendered language when teaching and writing about G-d. Ever faithful and just, God is love. G-d is the Alpha and the Omega, the unmoved mover. the source of all being and apparently, a surfer.

Surfers will describe attributes of this wave with sheer joy.

When asked to identify a favorite passage of scripture for a recent project on Spiritual Identity, my student—an avid surfer, chose the second line of the creation story. He said "Genesis 1:2 states Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was hovering over the water." He paused and said "In short, God is a surfer."

He laughed and smiled; I don't think he was kidding.

I like thinking of G-d in this way—active in our world, delighting in our passions. As much as I enjoy golf, I can't see G-d on the links. I can however see G-d on the beach. G-d surfs, G-d swims and walks along the shore line. I know this because I have walked with God there. Footprints—one of my least favorite prayers, but beloved by many—affirms this truth. And I recently learned how many of my colleagues walk along Ocean Beach with G-d in the mornings.

Ocean Beach. San Francisco, CA

During a beach clean-up service project (with All One Ocean), one of the swim coaches told me that he walks there several mornings a week. In addition to collecting unbroken sand dollars for his garden, he collects his thoughts for the day. He told me how many of our colleagues he sees walking the same shore—prayerfully looking over the Pacific Ocean, in awe of G-d's creation.  

I love having surfers in class because they have such a strong sense of what the sport means and how it shapes their life. According to my student, to be a surfer means "one must be brave, obsessive, fair, respectful, at home with solitude and a good swimmer." It also means to be in touch with the Divine. They may call it "Mother Ocean." I know now she was created on the second day.

Stay stoked (the signature of choice by the former president of the SI surf club—love it).