I don’t wanna grow up…
As I’ve gone through the weeks and months here at the Greene County Messenger, I’ve committed myself to try and keep my personal life free of this column, but recently, something struck me in such a way that I’m going to deviate from that path. A few months ago, I celebrated my 26th birthday with my wonderful wife Kari and a small group of family and friends. While I am still at least a few years away from developing my share of gray hairs and opening my first envelopes from the AARP, I was hit with a rather sobering and somewhat depressing reality: I’m getting too old to idolize pro athletes.
This point was driven home just this past Wednesday when I was perusing both my thoughts and a usual collection of websites and publications for column fodder. My revelation on aging struck me when I looked through the roster of this year’s Pittsburgh Steelers.
There it was.
“Rashard Mendenhall, 5-10, 224 pounds, 6/19/87. 1987?? He’s five years younger than me?!
Needless to say, I sunk back into my swivel chair and let out a long sigh. The realization of lost years and faded dreams of glory really hit me as I looked up and down the roster. Almost half of the roster were my age or younger.
The worst part of that realization was, these were no longer idols to look up to and try to emulate. If these were average every day individuals like myself, I’d be referring to them as “kids.”
Sigh… where have Louis Lipps, Jay Bell and Ulf Samuelsson gone?
I’m sure those of you older than me can back me up on this, life loses just a little sweetness when you get too old for sports heroes.
On a totally different, and more optimistic note, the Greene County Messenger is one of several sponsors of the first annual Greene County Triathlon, which will be held at the Greene Cove Marina. The event, which is scheduled take place on Saturday, July 12, features a 10-mile bike ride, a 5K run and a swim across 10 Mile Creek.
Not only will the event test the physical limits of some of the area’s top athletes, but it will also benefit the American Cancer Society. If any reader is interested in more information on competing or learning more about the triathlon, call 724-852-2251 and ask for Scott.