Finals and graduation are both finally over in College Station. Most of the 90,000 Aggies are at home for the holidays now, and traffic has finally become less frenetic. Before yesterday it was kind of dangerous to drive anywhere in a town full of sleep-deprived students.
Rumor floated through my new home this morning that there was a Texas A&M basketball game that night. I don’t think I’ll be here for any home football games… And to be honest, I like basketball better anyway. Luckily, with everyone out of town, there were still tickets let the day of the game.
I’m more likely to be found in a library than a sports arena. But whenever I go back to sports, I’m always struck by one particular aspect of athleticism: focus.
Aggie freshmen go to camp at the beginning of their college career and learn their school songs and school cheers to perform at games. In Reed Arena, two student sections behind each basketball goal were led by a senior from the corps of cadets (the military influence is still strong with Texas A&M, even though it’s no longer a military academy). They followed his lead loudly, enthusiastically, a sea of maroon and white.
The Texas A&M players shone and pulled out with a huge lead at the start. I was cheering them on, of course, having fun being part of a spirited crowd, but I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the visiting team. Thinking of myself in their shoes, I considered how well I’d perform in front of a huge group of people supporting my opponents. Athletes are trained and confident, sure, but the crowd simply can’t not have an effect. Ignoring the distraction must require so much focus.
Then I started thinking: in general, how easily is my focus derailed? Unfortunately, pretty easily. The crowd may not even be that big, and it can distract me. It’s the flip side of being able to take advice and learn easily from mentors. The struggle is always keeping the balance between hearing the advice of others while not letting outside influences determine my course of action, my success, or my failure.
Last night was just a good reminder to have focus: focus on winning the game, doing what needs to be done, and not on anyone trying to distract me from the stands. Baylor couldn’t do it last night… but I have far few people watching me and no real excuses.
-The Dauntless Princess-