Why Do We Play?

A terrific article in yesterday's LA Times by Bill Plaschke, on APU's soccer playoff game against Westmont yesterday. APU could have claimed the game by forfeit, but allowed Westmont an extra day or two to prepare, due to the fires. Westmont went on to win 2-0, but in the end, the support by the APU fans and players is something I am really proud of. Here's a taste:

Just as the emotion fueled Westmont, it drained Azusa Pacific, the classy hosts overcome by their own generosity.

"There was so much going for them, the fans, the momentum, the situation, it was too much for us to overcome," said junior midfield Eric Winblad. "We almost felt like the bad guys out there."

That's sad, because rarely in Southern California sports has there been a better show of sportsmanship than this, Azusa Pacific sacrificing its chance at a title defense to give Westmont a fair shot at taking it.

As impressive as the resilience of the conquerors was the kindness of the conquered.

Goodness, the school didn't even charge admission to the game and offered the Westmont fans a free lunch of pizza and salad.

"I've lost a lot, but right now, I can't think of one thing I need," said Westmont's Dave Wolf. "The people of Azusa Pacific have given us everything."

Monday's game ended, and the Westmont fans streamed onto the field, surrounding their heroes, singing, chanting, then coming together for a most amazing final embrace.

They tunneled. That's right, just like parents in a youth soccer game, they lined up across from each other, stretched out their arms, clasped hands, and formed a tunnel through which the players ran. Darn thing stretched about 50 yards, from Azusa toward Montecito, from despair to hope.

Wolf will soon begin a daunting search for a home for himself, his wife and their five children. But for a few minutes Monday, anything was possible, the sixth-place Warriors advancing to the national tournament, scheduled to host a first-round match next weekend even though they don't know if they still have a field.

"I know it's not a very sophisticated answer, but when you ask how I'm feeling about today, I can say only one thing to everyone," said Dave Wolf, staring red-eyed into a collection of kids dancing, laughing, rising from those ashes. "Thank you."

I am so impressed by APU's stance on this. I am proud to work there, and support these wonderful students. [JS]