It All Comes Down to This by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 1, Issue 14 December 5, 2002 I have never played in a championship game before. I am also just beginning to realize what a huge event this upcoming game is. There are actually on line chat rooms that have this game as a main topic of discussion. People from all over the U.S. have put in their two cents on who they think will win. On one hand I am a very competitive person and the bottom line of every game has been to win. On the other hand I play because it's fun. There are so many things in life that people (including me) stress over such as work, bills, family, etc. I have used football as a release from this stress. I guess I could say that reality has not yet set in concerning the upcoming game. I am still thrown back when someone asks me for an autograph. I sign my name on receipts at stores or on checks to pay bills and to those recipients that means nothing. When I sign my name on someone's program after a game it puts a huge smile on his or her face. They are so thankful and appreciative that I would take time for them. I hope they know how thankful and appreciative I am that they are out supporting us. There are only two teams left now; Sacramento and Arizona. Although we are in the same conference, it just happens that we were not able to face one another in the regular season. This means that both teams are going into the game with little idea of what to expect from the other team. Obviously we both know that our teams are strong; neither of us would have made it this far otherwise. Both teams have scored a lot and have allowed little scoring against their opponents. I truly believe that it all comes down to this; which team has more heart and desire. People have asked how I feel about playing in the championship game; am I nervous, anxious, excited? I used to get very nervous for games. This was back in high school when to me winning a game was a matter of life or death. I also used to put a lot of pressure on myself and would get angry if I made any mistake; no matter how significant or insignificant it was. These days I think I mix anxiousness and excitement. I look forward to game days because I enjoy to play. I now realize that mistakes will happen and there is no way to avoid them. What I have learned is that you can not dwell on them either. The best thing you can do is to take a deep breath and move on; there is still a lot of game to be played. This holds true with everything in life. No matter what happens in the game this coming weekend, this is our last few days of football for the year. After giving up virtually every Tuesday and Thursday over the past eight months for practice along with several Saturdays for games, the season is now over. What will I feel like when I wake up on Sunday morning, December 8th. Obviously I will be tired and sore. Putting how I will feel physically aside, will I feel relieved to finally be able to have a life again? Will I miss seeing everyone out on the practice field twice a week? Will I feel sad knowing more than likely the team we have will not be the same the next time around? Will I be anxious for another season to begin? Yes I will.     Back