I sometimes forget how lucky of an individual I am. I teach PAC (physical activity courses) at Oregon State, which, upon reflection, is a fancy way to say I get paid to play sports with college kids. My job consists of organizing the daily routine of warm-ups and core work, short sessions of drills, and then organizing a spirited scrimmage.
Of all the classes I teach, soccer is by far the easiest for me as it is a sport I have played as far back as my parents would let my stubby legs chase after a ball every Sunday, but I also get to spice up my days with softball, bowling, basketball and football. I love them all, but football rises to the top. Something about the speed of the game, the catches, the runs, the creativity and vision of the open field runner has always just thrilled.
As fortunate as I am to teach I have come to the realization that it is not so much the games themselves, rather it is the players playing in them that make the classes so much fun. Everyone, from the occasional DI athlete to the kid who still kicks at the ball with a straight leg, all are out there to just play, to involve their teammates and to get a run in as a break from the daily grind of classes, studying and the effects of an ever present social life.
I have had some great athletes in my classes, most of which have been great people as well. It is such a blessing to see someone that knows they are better not just try to showcase, rather they see the day as an opportunity to demonstrate, to model, to help their classmates improve their own game. To see a lack of ego out of a obviously gifted individual is, sadly, a rarity in this day of overpaid athletes playing a kid's game, of HS athletes with Paris Hilton complexes, but when it happens it brings with it such a amazing sense of respect and thanks.
Lyle Moevao is definitely one of these individuals, one that not only stands out as an athlete (and believe me, in addition to having and NFL arm and creativity in the open field, he plays defense like a linebacker, quick to hit and quick to plug the holes (I am just thankful we never played tackle, I'd probably be in a body cast right now)) but as a leader as well. You know that smile you see on his face ALL the time, it really isn't a facade, the kid loves life and loves making those around him laugh. Whether it is breaking someone's legs on a scramble or pointing to an imaginary flag on the field and getting everyone to look, he brings a passion and a joy that is hard to overlook. Very rarely in life do you come across and individual that involves everyone and makes every player on the field feel as if they belong and should be a part of the game.
Lyle told me to believe, believe that the Beavs are legit, that their offense has the ability to overshadow their defense (and with past history, that is a bold statement). I have a hard time not believing him, not only because he believes it so much himself and can convince, rather it is watching him lead. Leading a last second drive, tossing a 50 yard fly route, turing a broken play into a 50 yard scramble with his legs. The kid can play, and we as fans will benefit from this fact.
So buy your tickets, expect greatness and a whole lot of smiling, the Beavers will challenge and fight next year. If you don't believe me, I can hit you on a five yard sweep and let Lyle convince you...
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