Walk Down Memory Lane

The smell of the brisk air tonight as I drove with the window down reminded me of moving into the dorm at The Ohio State University my freshmen year over 15 years ago.

That was a good time.

I just finished a great run in high school. It was difficult coming to the realization that many of my acquaintances from that time would slowly drift away, but I knew my close friends would remain in touch and I knew I was on the brink of a number of new relationships that would be even better.

Ohio State, like Mentor, fit me well. Many people dislike the big school atmosphere and bureaucracy, but I am fine with it. It is easy to blend in places like these and I don't have the urge to stick out like some do. I am comfortable just minding my business and working within the system.

Plus good football teams and intra-mural programs are right up my alley.

Full disclosure.

It is not like I CAN stick out if I wanted to. For someone as obsessed with sports as I am, one would think I would have some small amount of athleticism that would stand out, but instead it is my lack of speed, height, strength and general athleticism that makes me stand out amongst friends.

Therefore, blending in is my best bet.

But this whole rant made me think about my short list of sporting accomplishments. It is a rather meek list. I suppose that is the humor in it after all.

I never stepped foot on a playing field more competitive than a city league, intra-mural league or teacher league.

So my best moments consists of co-ed intra-mural final fours, a D-League softball championship, one three pointer in a middle school teacher/student game to the roar of the student body and a cool nickname from fellow teachers who seem to be impressed with very little from the slow, short, nonathletic, white guy who says nothing.

I find it funny that when little is expected of you, it takes little to impress. I had one good game shooting and suddenly it has evolved into a legendary performance that continues to grow to this day. I think I hit 2-3 three pointers that night but now when I hear my former colleagues tell the story is was like I was raining three's all night with defenders n my face to the anger of the opposing coach on the other bench.

It's cool though. It has become a fun story to tell and I am not about to stop people bragging about me.

And the "Silent Storm" is a sweet name to go by in my opinion. So I have always let it ride.