Have you ever wondered why watching sporting events has such a high entertainment value?

Everyone loves it when their favorite team is stomping their opponents and cruising into the playoffs.

But what about when the worst team in the league plays above and beyond their ability and knocks off a powerhouse? Unless it is your team they are upsetting, it always feels good to see the underdog win.

I remember when Northwestern upset the Irish a few years ago. I never thought I’d see the day when Notre Dame would be beaten by Northwestern, a school with a traditionally poor football program. The Wildcats continued their Cinderella season by reaching the Rose Bowl, which they lost, but their miracle season will always be remembered.

And how about when the number eight seed Denver Nuggets defeated the top ranked Supersonics on Seattle’s home court? The sight of Dikembe Mutombo clutching the ball as he lay on his back and cried in jubilation will always be remembered by this fan.

Just last week, Prairie View ended its record for most consecutive losses in Division I football. This was the first game they have won this decade. Yeah, I said decade.

So when all of you Cyclone fans complain about our lack of success in the last few years, just be grateful that we actually won a game last season and had a reason to toss the goal posts into Lake Laverne.

Another part of sports that makes it so fascinating is when the unexpected occurs.

Just this past weekend everyone expected a battle of two great running backs in Ricky Williams and Darren Davis. But it turned out to be a highlight film for wide receivers Donnie Hart and Damien Groce.

Or how about when an injured Kirk Gibson limped up to the plate and won a World Series game with a home run?

The Minnesota Twins finished dead last in 1990, but ended up winning the 1991 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, who had the National League’s worst record the year before.

Our women’s basketball team is another great example of a team playing much better than expected. Coach Bill Fennelly took a team that only won a handful of games a few seasons ago and turned them into a top 25 squad that reached the NCAA tournament.

There are also many unsung heroes that never get the credit they deserve.

Everyone is giving Sammy Sosa the credit for advancing the Chicago Cubs into the playoffs this season, but when it came down to crunch time, it was veteran Gary Gaetti who came through for the Cubbies. At forty years of age, Gaetti has won five games for the Cubs since signing near the end of the season.

Sports also provide many “feel good” stories. Just last season Valparaiso upset their way through the NCAA tournament. What makes this even more intriguing is that Valpo’s star player, Brice Drew, is coached by none other than his own father.

There are also many intangibles that go unnoticed throughout the course of the game. John Stockton never gets credit for a solid screen that frees up Jeff Hornacek for an open three-pointer. And the Viking’s Chris Walsh is never mentioned in the stat book for downing a punt inside the five yard line or for recovering an onside kick.

Even something as simple as the holder spinning the laces out for a field goal could mean the difference in the game. Just ask Dan Marino. He was almost killed by a cross-dressing psycho in Ace Ventura for that.

Unexpected outcomes not only happen in sports, but also in real life. A good example of this would be me not failing thermodynamics or Kenny surviving an episode of South Park, which he did once, so I do have hope of passing thermo.

Watching sports may be more vital to our lives than we think, so support ISU’s sporting programs by either going to the game or watching it on the tube, cuz’ the Cyclones are bringin’ more drama than a soap opera.

---

Eric Taylor is a junior in mechanical engineering from Elysian, Minn.