Journal 1 Revised: Winning Isn't Everything

Packers vs. Seahawks Game, courtesy of John Lok/Seattle Times

             David Maraniss was critically stern in his argument that winning is not everything in his article, Winning Actually Isn't the Only Thing.  Sports are an important part of American culture and despite the drive to win and please your fans is winning really everything? People curve their emotions and actions in response to a win even if those actions aren’t always appropriate.  Maraniss wrote in response to the Seahawks Packer game in which a call was game winning in the Seahawks favor.  The call should not have stood, yet Seahawks fans and players alike treated the situation as if it was correct.  Maraniss aims to prove that it is just a game and regardless of the outcome there are more important things to gain from sports. 

             Having been an avid athlete all my life I tend to agree with David Maraniss.  In the situation of the Seahawks Packer game it was hard to choke down the last play, however; at the same time there was an NFL referee lockout and they had no choice but to supply replacement refs.  They were not up to par to referee a professional game, but there was no one else to do it.  I also believe that you gain so much more from sports than any stats will ever tell you.  What you learn through team work, dedication, commitment, and time management is far more life changing than a season of statistics.  While they are fun to look back on and remember, the memories you make far outweigh a season record.  Yet, regardless of any situation, there are always people that do believe winning is everything and it does change the sport.  Such as, those in favor of the Seahawks haphazard attitudes after the undeserving win.  Making the best of the situation and others reactions to an irreversible event is all you can do, and in the words of Vince Lombardi, “If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win.” Therefore, I do agree with Maraniss and think that it should always be remembered that winning is never everything.  
 

https://uwsp.courses.wisconsin.edu/content/enforced/1871907-engl202lschmeli11121210/Maraniss_Winning%20Actually%20Isn%27t%20the%20Only%20Thing.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=XmaQ1Kt6QMGhXSDaY0V4GwPyi

Journal 4 Revision: Impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York

Start of NYC Marathon, Courtesy of A.T. Willett Photography

                In the article, “Up and Running” by Louisa Thomas, the impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York’s world renowned marathon was discussed.  The question raised, was what is more important, the marathon, or the millions of people out of power and water? She talked about how a week previous to the cancellation of the marathon, Mayor Bloomberg, was adamant about hosting it regardless of the recent hurricane and the many people affected. 

                While reading the article, I could understand the Mayor’s position about the race.  People from all over the world come to race in the New York Marathon.  Some people earn much of their income off of racing in this race.  What’s more, people participate in many other marathons all year just to qualify for this 26.2 mile trek.  This race brings in so much revenue to the state and community.  I can completely see and understand his standpoint on hosting the race.  However, it raises a lot of controversy over what is more important. 

                It amazes me how people will come together in events of tragedy.  There are simply no words for people helping others they do not even know.  I think that act of kindness is irreplaceable and cannot be matched by anything else.  All of the people who signed up for the race laced up their shoes to help repair damage and generate a city under massive complication instead of racing.  That is hard to even fathom.  In spite of this tragic event cancelling, they did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.  To me, that says it all.  Kind gestures speak louder than words.  

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8594475/examining-outrage-cancelation-new-york-city-marathon