Missing Sports Already!

In the midst of all the packing and chaos preparing to leave, I have not lost my focus on my love of sports. I have come to realize that today's MSU basketball game and tomorrow's MSU hockey game will be the final events I will get to watch from the United States.

It was bad enough missing the 2011 version of March Madness and another Justin Verlander no hitter while I was in basic training! When I moved to Washington last July I was a little worried about being able to keep up with my favorite teams. The Tigers were in 1st place and the MSU football team and Detroit Lions were gearing up for promising seasons. This was not an issue at all though.

Through the great fall sports season in Michigan I felt like I was right there to enjoy all the fun. While I was not surrounded by Green and White or Honolulu Blue, I did surround myself with some other passionate sports fans--a couple who are also from Michigan. We quickly claimed McNamera's Pub as our "go-to gameday" spot. The staff there is wonderful and they now know us well (not sure if that is good or not).

Now it's late March--The Red Wings are headed into the playoffs, the Tigers are in spring training with a great chance for a World Series run, Tom Izzo has the spartan ballers rolling through the tournament again and Tom Anastos has Spartan Hockey back in the NCAA tournament. Before we know it football season will be on the way and the Spartans and Lions will figure prominently in their respective leagues.

I have not determined yet just what level of fandom I will be able to attain overseas. I know I will have some access to scores and a few games on tv, but the 3 hour time difference was hard enough here in Washington. In Afghanistan the 8.5 hour difference to the Eastern US time zone is sure to push my sports watching to the brink of extinction.

However where there's a will there's a way! I will find a way to see the end of March Madness 2012! I will find a way to watch Prince, Cabby, and JV35 lead the Tigers to another pennant. And if Jimmy Howard and the Red Wings can make a cup run, I'll be reppin the winged wheel in Kandahar!

If all else fails, I expect DVD's of championships and memorable moments. You all know my mailing address!

Go Green!
Go Wings!
Go Tigers!
Go Lions!

And while we're at it...Go Pistons in the NBA draft!

Until net time...

Chris