Super Bowl

Those of you that know me know that I'm not the world's biggest sports fan.

Growing up I participated in the obligatory little league baseball, Pass Punt & Kick, neighborhood football games, Kick the Can, et al. In Jr. High, I "played" basketball and ran track. By the time I got to High School, I realized that I was not an athlete. I remember vividly the call to my dad from the school the day of basketball tryouts telling him that I didn't want to play. He was disappointed, but gracious.

About the only sport I was any good at was golf. That was only because my family belonged to the Country Club. I even have a trophy. Now it would take too much of my time and money for me to get back into it.

Come to think of it, I was a pretty fair skier, too. We used to go to Colorado every winter until I was 18. I would probably kill myself if I tried it now.

So through High School and College, I tried to act like I was into watching sports on TV, but eventually concluded, "What's the point?"

Okay, I will admit that I do enjoy watching the Olympics and the X-Games. But as far as keeping up with ongoing team sports - not so much.

Now if you're ever hanging around me talking sports and I don't have a lot to contribute to the conversation, you'll understand why.

So this weekend is the Super Bowl. I know that because I happened to be talking on the phone with a friend for the first time in 20 years and he mentioned that he and his wife were hosting a party on Sunday. I should have known it was soon, because I've always known it was just after Kansas Day. I know that because we learned about it in grade school. Some things just stick, you know?

Don't ask me who is playing this weekend. Like I said, I don't follow college basketball. Just kidding. I'm sure come game time, I'll know the teams, as I know guys will be talking about it at church Sunday morning.

Part of me thinks I'm un-American for not taking a greater interest. Part of me thinks, "I'm a guy. I'm supposed to be into watching team sports." Part of me is a little embarrassed about it. But the 99% that is the rest of me thinks, "Eh - who cares?"

I must admit though - I'm a little concerned. If you think Americans are fanatic about their sports and their teams, you haven't been to Ireland. I would classify the Irish as rabid about "sport".

Who knows, maybe I'll get caught up in the fervor when we're living there. We'll just have to wait and see...