February 22, 2026 Observations From the Cheap Seats

There has been so much happening! The Olympics, State Wrestling, and the impending end of a fun junior high season, not to mention Hawkeye basketball. Combined, this has been a wonderful distraction from the mess in our country.   Each of these events have had common threads: sportsmanship, and those who criticize.

Let us examine the criticisms first.  Social media is rife with wanna-be coaches who feel the need to degrade those competing,  Including the one who is supposed to be leading the country, and those occupying the basements in their mother's house.  I've been impressed with the classy, sometimes funny, responses from the athletes . 

In regards to the kids competitions, I've seen that at every site there is a Mad Dad, sometimes a Mouthy Mom. You know who I mean; they spend the time their athlete is under the lights by either A) screaming at the coach, B) screaming at the ref, or sadly,  C) screaming at their child.  All of this, of course , is happening as close to the match as possible, ruining the experience for everyone in earshot.  I video Grand2's matches for one of my brothers, and learned quick that I need to be strategic in where I stand so the editorializing isn't on the replay.  I do have one match where Mad Dad was immediately next to me, and I couldn't move. It was terrible.

Now the sportsmanship: The four qualifiers our high school had at State were the epitome of what makes a quality human. There was nothing inappropriate in how they reacted to defeat when it happened, and didn't flaunt a win. They made us all proud, I believe,  on and off the mat.

We also witnessed, at only one junior high meet, bad behavior by three young men...I'm talking boom, boom, boom, so by the third time, we were looking at each, saying "What is going on???"  One was seen whipping his headgear after a loss, later another slapped away his opponent's outstretched hand away. The kicker was the third who, on his knees, pummeled the mat.  (Not one was an E-Hawk. ) To a degree, I understand the hormones are in full tilt, but wow.

The bottom line is, it's great to win.  It's not a disgrace to lose. In my mind, just putting themselves out there, putting in the hard work and dedication  deserves respect and accolades, no matter if they end on the podium or not. What is important to me is to win with humility, and lose with grace. 

I do have to admit, seeing the USA Mens Hockey win gold sure felt good.☘


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