Sports have a unique way of creating comfort within my mind, body, and soul.
It's why, nearly 2,000 miles away from a place I've called home (Phoenix) for over a decade, I feel an overwhelming sense of belonging—like everything was destined for me to be here in Central Wisconsin.
As a kid who traded the Cartoon Network for the NFL Films productions slated on the NFL Network, it took little time to learn what sports, and in this case, particularly football, means to this historically rich community.
Most football fans are familiar with the legendary Vince Lombardi. His bronze statue stands firmly before Green Bay's historic Lambeau Field. It represents generations of excellence and the standard set and followed by the legendary Packer stars that followed.
From the lens of a kid born in Port Arthur, Texas, I have had my eye on the cheese state for a long time, from watching Brett Favre to Donald Driver to Clay Matthews to Aaron Rodgers.
I moved to Arizona from the Bay Area, so there's a natural respect for California's sports landmarks like the San Francisco 49ers and what once was the Oakland Raiders. But to me, there was nothing like the football culture in Green Bay.
One thing I will never forget is watching the Packers ' faithful nearly rally their team to a Super Bowl in equally one of the greatest and coldest games ever played at Lambeau Field in 2008.
The Packers and the underdog New York Giants clashed in -1-degree weather with a blistering windchill of -23, according to the NFL—a stark contrast from Phoenix's trademark triple-digit heat days I've become far too accustomed to.
The Frozen Tundra.
It's difficult to scrub out the scene of Packer fans' icicle-ridden beards or the performers' clouds of water vapors spraying from their mouths with each breath. But a few other things happened in that game that showed me that sports was the magical world I knew I was destined to be in, one way or another.
More: Who is Andi Rich, the challenger running for Wisconsin's 12th Senate District seat?
72,740 cheeseheads disregarded the freezing conditions refrigerating the arena and cheered on their Hall of Fame quarterback, Favre, as he attempted to lead Green Bay to another title.
Favre, whom I admired, did not complete that goal that year. In fact, he threw the game-sealing interception to Corey Webster in overtime. The pick ended his storied run in Green Bay and opened the door for New York placekicker Lawrence Tynes's 43-yard field goal to crush Green Bay's spirits and send the Giants en route to their eventual third title.
We know the saga that followed, but what was happening in Green Bay was the rallying and support around a fresh new talent. This talent would blossom into one of my favorite NFL players of all time and championship gold for the Packers just three years later: Rodgers.
More: What to know about school district funding referenda in Mosinee and central Wisconsin
This is an example of why, when I think of my future here in Central Wisconsin, I am excited about the passion, care, and faithfulness that engulfs this sports community.
From this point forward, you will see my bylines covering a wide range of HS teams, athletes, and coaches, including their highs and lows. Please tag along for the ride with me.
If you see me out with family enjoying Wausau's lovely climate, come with tips for surviving the winter. After all, I am a long way away from the Sonoran Desert that surrounded me in Phoenix. And I promise, I am a lot friendlier than I look.
As a former athlete and current writer, I know that sports have given me everything, starting with peace in my mind, body, and soul. So my goal is to give it all back to Central Wisconsin's high school community, piece by piece, word by word, game by game, community by community.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Meet Alfred Smith III, the Wausau Daily Herald's new HS sports reporter
Local News
Comments / 0