Sacrifice: Part 1

There are so many facets of this lifestyle that makes us what we are. Many things that force us to stand out.
As of late I’ve been thinking about Sacrifice, which in essence is the walk behind the talk. People say what sounds good, and then there’s the truth. People look at athletes, musicians, and artists, and think I want what they have. What those people see is the end result; all they see is the success. They don’t see the thousands of hours of work put in. They don’t see the blood, sweat and tears, that go into being successful.
Recently I was at a hip-hop show, listening to the opening artists, and as I was sitting there bobbing my head to beat, I looked around. What I saw was sacrifice. This man on the stage was playing for a crowd of four people at a no-name bar in Fairbanks, Alaska. While many people would laugh at this man, call him a fool, or dismiss him as a nobody. I admired him. For I have been there, and I understood, this is what it takes to make it. He poured out his heart into a hour and fifteen minute set, and stood around until the bar closed selling CD’s and merchandise.
Watching this man, reminded me of all that I have sacrificed. The thousands of hours I’ve spent alone in the gym, shooting, and dribbling until I couldn’t lift my arms. The lonely nights spent working on my game and perfecting my craft while everyone was out partying. Playing hundreds of games in empty gyms for just family and friends.
I do all of this because I understand that this is what it takes. I will continue to do this, to work tirelessly in pursuit of my dreams. This is sacrifice.

Colin Matteson
University of Alaska
Colin_Matteson@msn.com
206.697.2498