Stately Oaks and Broad Magnolias

The LSU Alma Mater closes with poignant lyrics "May thy spirit live within us, Forever LSU!" It seems cliche, but when the voices of over 93,000 momentarily attempt to sober up to belt out these lyrics. When the "sun has found its home in the western sky and it's Saturday night in Death Valley". When it's November. When it's the (enter four letter word here-ing) Alabama Crimson Tide. You truly start to feel the spirit that lives within the LSU Tigers.

Now, I'm not an "official" Tiger. I do not hold a degree from Louisiana State University. I cannot say I have attended a single class in Baton Rouge. But make no mistake, I am a Tiger... by birth and by blood. The Craig Family has been attending and graduating from Louisiana State University for over a century - dating back to my great-grandfather. Since then, my grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles, cousins and then some have attended LSU. I personally have walked under the shade of the oak trees on campus since the time I could walk. I have belted out "Geaux Tigers!" since the time I could talk. I am a Tiger, I feel and possess the spirit.

Last night, Tiger Stadium was FILLED with the spirit of LSU. The air was charged - truly unlike any game I've EVER seen (and I've seen my fair share, ladies and gentlement) in my entire life. Charged with anticipation, charged with alcohol-induced insanity, charged with the memory of January 9, 2012, charged with HATE. You felt at times so charged and elated you could just be sick from pure exhaustion and adrenaline, to only fall to the pit of complete, hollow deflation. An emotional journey.

But for me, a game at Tiger Stadium is so much more than two final numbers left on a scoreboard once the dust settles... It's the experience. It's the older gentlemen turning to his wife when the band first marches onto the field that says "my hair just raised on its end... it gets me every time" with the sparkle of a nostalgic wink. It's the new-found friends that share high fives, life stories, less than impressive dance moves, hugs of pure bliss and a certain kindred spirit. Yes, the experience is even rooted in the shouts and vicious banter, shoves, cursing (and yes, even police) attempting to simmer the fervent animosity of hatred that burns between the Tigers and Tide (and that was just in our section!).

I cannot fully describe the LSU spirit in words. It's not something you can capture. It's not something you can copy or recreate. The towering shadows and beaming lights of Death Valley stir something in your soul and in your heart. It may be where "opponents dreams come to die", but it's where our dreams come to life.

The Honey Badger Don't Care

The concept of leadership is incredibly complex and multi-faceted. You are one, or you aren’t. You lead by example. You have the belief and trust of your followers. Leadership is practiced through attitude and actions, not by words.

Tyrann Mathieu, affectionately known as the “Honey Badger”, is one such incredible and inexplicably frustrating leader. Fluctuating between sheer brilliance on the football field and utter confusion and disregard for life off, Tyrann has now almost sealed his disappointing story in his recent drug arrest yesterday with three current/former football-playing Tigers: Jordann Jefferson, Karnell Hatcher and Derrick Bryant.

(Side note… Can someone please tell me why Jordan Jefferson cannot just ride off into the sunset already? He’s done enough damage to the LSU Football program.)

Tyrann possessed the intangibles not able to be taught. He had the magic that little boys playing pee-wee football dream of on the field. The ability to change the entire landscape of a game. The spark of adrenaline with a punt return or inflicted turnover. The rush of emotion when a team is struggling to find a purpose. The jump-start of an offense into overdrive. Heisman Trophy finalist. Play-maker. Magic.

I hope the story of the “Honey Badger” has a few more chapters. It seems like a travesty for this story to end so soon. In the end, it’s just a game and it’s time for Tyrann to focus on the bigger picture of real life. We see the qualities and purposeful mission of leadership in the man on the field...now its time for him to be that same leading man off that field. I wish upon him guidance, wisdom, maturity and luck on his journey.

The Human Spirit of the Olympic Games

It’s the most wonderful time of year – or shall we say, 4 years – when the sport of swimming has the incredible opportunity to bask in the spotlight and glory of the Olympic Games. The entire gambit of athletes, from newly minted rookie Olympians to wiley old veterans of the sport that I’ve loved my entire life take center stage for the world to take note.

As I sat transfixed to the television all night, I began wondering what it was that made me cheer and cry with every move of the Team USA swimmers. The fact is, there are so many beautifully perfect and imperfect human elements they put on display day in and day out. We worship and idolize their world records, their training regiments (flipping monster tires anyone?), their ridiculous diets, their Twitter accounts, their next magazine cover and yes – even their own language (… JEAH!) But the truth is, their most admirable qualities are those a little less Hollywood – those qualities that make them just like you and me.

There’s Missy Franklin – the hyper, overzealous teenager that’s deep down in every one of us. Her effervescent smile and personality that bubbles like a shaken bottle of champagne is something that we each strive to attain. There’s Ryan Lochte – the charismatic, unconventional skateboard-riding, grill-wearing Playboy whose relaxed demeanor and unrefined approach to life make it okay and even downright AWESOME to stand out in a crowd.

There are so many qualities to admire and replicate of Team USA: The silent, yet fierce, leadership of Rebecca Soni and Elizabeth Beisel. The ultimate comeback story of redemption and ultimate dedication in Brendan Hansen, Dana Vollmer and Jessica Hardy. The hopeless romantic spirit and love of Matt Grevers blowing a kiss into the stands. The flooding relief of accomplishment Caitlin Leverenz after capturing her first medal. The quiet redemption and fortitude of the seemingly consummate bridesmaids, Nick Thoman and Davis Tarwater. The veteran, foundational wisdom in Natalie Coughlin and Jason Lezak. The list is endless.

Finally – there’s the ultimate champion, the most powerful ambassador for the sport of swimming, the greatest Olympian of all time and newly noted HUMAN, Michael Phelps. Tonight, for the very first time, I felt Michael acknowledge that the edges of his Superman cape are indeed slowly unraveling – acknowledging AND even embracing one of life’s most difficult challenges – change. As he stood atop the podium for the 4 x 200 Free Relay, I saw the glimmer of tears in his eyes for the first time EVER in 19 trips, as I believe he caught the first true glimpse of his swimming sunset. He seemed a changed man at the end of finals – smiling, joking, more jovial and relaxed than I’ve ever seen him. He is retiring, closing a chapter and he’s finally embracing it.

This is why I really do love the Olympic Games – as they exemplify the greatness that lies in each of us, as Nike poignantly portrayed in an advertisement tonight. At the end of the day, these supernatural , extraordinary athletes we call Olympians (not just those wearing red, white and blue and not just those competing in the sports with prime time coverage) are just human beings – moms, dads, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters. Their lives are shining examples of extraordinary qualities that live in each of us: hope, determination, strength and the imperfectly perfect human spirit… in this case – the Olympic spirit.