Still The Greatest Miracle Moment!

http://mrwill316.podomatic.com/entry/2012-02-22T23_04_26-08_00

Hello and Happy Hump Day from North Texas!

Hope day one of the Lent route treats each and every one of you in an affable and amicable manner. Yesterday's festivities for Fat Tuesday definitely left much to be desired for those who like to handle and pass out those colorful beads.

This day still stands out for me like a shiny penny at the bottom of the pool as a kid. That pool water may even have been a bit murky at times. The light of that shiny penny found a way for these eyes to see it. If unsure about what I speak, may I recommend a movie by the same name called 'Miracle'. Kurt Russell is the main actor and the movie chronicles a very special two week period in February 1980 for our American Olympic athletes in Lake Placid New York.

A bunch of young hockey players-names like Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig, Mike Ramsey, Neal Broten, Ken Morrow to name a few-would all band together and do the unthinkable...win a gold medal for their country! If you just went by the talent base alone it should have been Russia or Finland. Two weeks earlier at Madison Square Garden Russia won an exhibition over the U.S. by a 10-3 count. Apparently Team Russia never took the Red, White, and Blue seriously after that game. Mistake.

The game itself wasn't even shown live. It was on tape delay in the states. If you resided north of the border you were able to watch. Al Michaels and Ken Dryden were on the call and the Field House was 8,000 strong in their chants of 'U.S.A! U.S.A!'

Trailing early America came back to tie at 2-2. When Vladislav Tretiak got pulled from the goalie spot, many fans shook their heads. That miscalculation led the way to a dramatic and thrilling 4-3 victory for the United States over their chief rival. During a time for tough economic times and hostages in Iran this game provided the ultimate 'feel good' moment about overcoming and persevering.

I remember the tingle when the game wound down. You could hear the excitement in Al Michaels' voice, too! Etched in my memory was the moment Mike Eruzione invited his whole team to join him at the podium after the awards ceremony.

Yes that really was 32 years ago today. Still a miracle. Still a wonderful amazing moment in American and Olympic history. Go watch the movie. Kurt Russell nails it as Herb Brooks.

Make it a great day!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will