THE UNDERDOGS

I would describe myself as a casual sports fan . . . far from obsessed and frankly, not all that knowledgeable, but someone who enjoys watching my favorite teams and cheering them on.  Who doesn't love the thrill of victory, especially when it is won against all the odds? 

With our daughter home from college this week for Spring Break, we had the pleasure of cheering on the Syracuse men's basketball team with her as March Madness began and the Syracuse Orange unexpectedly marched their way toward the Sweet 16 in the annual NCAA basketball tournament.  I love a good Cinderella story and the Orange provided one as the last team selected to even play in the tournament.  Yet, they successfully overcame the odds against them to beat teams favored to win, and they proved their naysayers wrong.  They proved that they belong.

I think it's natural to want to cheer on the underdog, even if it isn't your team.  As I thought about the victory today for Syracuse, I thought about the kids that I cheer on everyday, the underdogs who may be fighting to overcome incredible odds against them.  But just like the basketball players in the NCAA tournament, they too prove that you can never count anyone out, that they belong, and that victory is sweet.  I love having the honor of "coaching" them and sharing in each step they take toward victory.  Never underestimate the underdogs, they are our heroes!

  

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