It would be easy to make an argument that our obsession with sports in this country is often over the top and not exactly kept in the proper perspective.

I totally understand those that don’t get why sports mean so much to so many that don’t have a direct connection. In other words they don’t make their living from it.  Basically we are talking about fans for whom a GAME can often dictate their mood, behavior and outlook on life for a day, week or even longer.

So with that said, and acknowledging that so many will never quite get why, sports is the ultimate fantasy and often an escape from the reality of everyday life.  I mean, where else do you get to wear clothing outside of work that identifies you with a particular group which results in an automatic bond with those you have never met before.

The company CEO making seven figures a year might be sitting next to a simple hard-working laborer who spent his overtime on a ticket and there they are exchanging “high fives” when their team scores.

Brian Gaia #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holding the Big Ten East Division Championship trophy rings the bell signifying a win after the game against the Michigan State
Brian Gaia #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holding the Big Ten East Division Championship trophy rings the bell signifying a win after the game against Michigan State (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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I say all this after a weekend which was truly special for those I share that special bond with: fans of Penn State University and especially their football team.  I won’t go into all the details except to say that Saturday saw me glued to the TV for 7 hours in which six of them were filled with agony and about one with ecstasy.

When the day ended a program that had seemingly hit rock-bottom less than five years ago was almost on top of the world and the feeling was exhilarating.  There may be more to come but if not this is still pretty good.

It’s an exciting time for Jackson’s Anthony Stolarz and his family as the 22-year old not only made his NHL debut last night but got the win in goal as the Flyers beat Calgary 5-3 in Philadelphia.  Stolarz made 29 saves and became the first New Jersey-born goalie and fourth ex-Shore Conference player to play in the NHL.  He played two seasons at Jackson Memorial High School before moving on to play in the juniors and eventually signing with the Flyers.

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