Patch Blog: Flying With Golden Eagles

So it’s probably a guy thing. Wonder how many times the girl next door who was always there as a friend was really “the one” all along.

And the babe you never thought you could even approach turned out being a disappointment.

From the time I could tell a football from a lima bean I wanted to be a Trojan. Big brother Jay sold me on the proposition when I was about five years old. And I must admit I’ve been guilty as charged of passing the sale’s job forward.

As a high school grad, I chose going to Cal State LA because, basically, I had no other choice. For a punk teenager like me, it was like going to the prom with your sister; couldn’t believe I hadn’t been swooped up by someone a little fancier.

Funny thing happened at the prom, I found myself and asserted myself; even focused on doing what it took to have what I thought deep down, was impossible. I began to believe I could actually walk the talk that sounded so good to friends and family.

When I left Cal State LA, the speech prof presiding over my final class took the time to explain why I would later come to appreciate my time spent at a “commuter school.”

When I made it into the School of Dentistry at USC, I mentally and emotionally dropped my undergrad alma mater like a dirty shirt. Looking back, it was like after finally finding someone who cared, I took off after almost four years, infatuated by a flashier version and a reputation.

Last week I had the opportunity to spend some serious quality time with the women who are the CSULA Lady Basketball Golden Eagles.

And it was great being back home.

Coach Jones is a patient of mine. But more than that, she’s an inspiration.

The young women I met were so impressive they made me feel reluctant to take on the task of being the guest speaker. I would have rather listened to more of what they had to share. They were beautiful and strong and you could feel the strength of who they were…as a team. Meeting the ladies of Golden Eagles hoops reminded me of the folks who are my family away from home Monday-Thursday.

That speech professor from back in the Day told me I’d learn more in one hour spent in the CSULA cafeteria than I would in four years at USC. And I guess sometimes forty years can go by before you attach the final punctuation to the sentences you never forget.

I’ll always love the Trojans. I’ll even admit there’s a bounce in my step this morning, the day after USC took down the Irish at South Bend. And the last thing I’d ever do is disappoint my brother.

But this year, instead of frequenting the Galen Center, I’ll be driving down The 10 and up to Cal State LA. Bet I’ll even get a “thank you” for showing up.

As three of the Golden Eagles shared a few words about their coach and team and the prospects for the coming year, they seemed more like part of a family reunion than the usual and customary kick-off banquet.

And Coach Jones demands structure, accountability, and results and she has a record that’s all about winning. And she’s coaching lives, not players. Wonder how many coaches end a speech imploring young athletes to look and listen for the chance to make a difference?

As the players introduced themselves and attending friends and family and later spent some more time with guests during a “speed dating” format, all I could think was “United Nations.” Then I thought of an hour spent in the Cal State cafeteria. Then I pictured my own TCDC team.

I think I owe the girl next door an apology…and a thank you. The letters are in the mail.