Looking at the stuff sports are made of

Matt Hanley

Defining "sports" is not easy. Determining which activities qualify as a sport and which do not is an almost hopeless exercise. Is a game of hopscotch any less "sport" than the Super Bowl? Which is more "sporting" -- a marathon or a game of ping-pong? Sports seems to exist on so many levels and in such abundant supply that it is impossible to compartmentalize, categorize or define.

Instead of being rigidly structured, sports is simply a collection of fleeting moments that prove that life can sometimes be great and sports can sometimes be life.

So long after the millions of dollars from each contract have been spent and long after the unbreakable records have fallen, individual sports moments will survive. While a lot of sports thrills are universal -- like watching an athlete win the gold medal -- those moments are usually packaged for us -- complete with graphics, merchandising and a sound track. Real sports moments are personal adventures, like breaking in your first baseball glove or getting a varsity letter. Those are the moments that define sports and keep it timelessly pure.

After all, sports isn’t simply a word or a set of rules, sports is ...

... running your first mile, getting in the game for the first time, scoring your first points, stepping up to the plate for the first time, or lacing up your skates for the first time.

... forgetting about million-dollar contracts and free agency when you hear the crack of a bat on a home run swing.

... learning about onside kicks, the infield fly rule, double dribbling or icing.

... chipping in from the fairway.

... driving two hours to see minor league baseball.

... rooting for the underdog.

... yelling at the ref.

... hearing "First and 10 for the Illini!" broadcast on the loud speaker.

... spending time trying to decide whether Greg Maddux in his prime would be able to strike out Hank Aaron at his best.

... scoring with your goalie in a foosball game.

... watching from the sidelines, waiting to get in the game, cheering from the stands.

... Frisbee on the Quad.

... sending a letter to your favorite player and waiting for a reply.

... doing something you never thought you could.

... laying down the perfect bunt.

... pulling off the road to fine tune your radio so you can hear the last two minutes of a game.

... waiting outside the parking lot after the game, meeting your hero and having him/her sign your jersey.

... learning to use the phrases "check," "punt no tell" and "two-hand touch" at the appropriate time.

... sweating.

... scoring on a bicycle kick.

... watching Michael Jordan play in person, just once.

... doing your first round-off.

... buying food from a vendor.

... finishing a marathon, beating your personal best, not giv