I was sitting at Bill Snyder’s news conference Tuesday in Manhattan and he was announcing his retirement. He started talking about his family, and about how he didn’t feel as if he had been there for them. He began to become emotional.
Being a seasoned journalist, I have been trained to feel nothing. Most of the time, that’s not a problem.
But suddenly this little tear started to form in the corner of my left eye. I felt it and I knew it was growing and that it was just about to spill over and run down my cheek.
Well, this is the last thing that could happen in this atmosphere, with so many other reporters around. So many other reporters who look up to me as an uncaring, unfeeling SOB. Faced with this possibility, I started to consider my options.
I could rub the tear out of my eye with a hand. But how obvious was that going to be?
I could hope the tear went away. Fat chance.
Or I could suddenly close my eyes, then open them and hope the tear had been squelched. This was my best option.
I closed my eyes for a few seconds, hoping the tear would retreat. And when I opened them, they were dry. The tear had disappeared. I was so happy I could have cried.
5 Comments
that was sweet you uncaring SOB!
Better watch it, Bob, or people might realize you’re not quite the SOB they think you are.
Watching the new conference made me sad too. Bill Snyder has done so much for k-state, heck he put them on the map. Enrollment at k-state was going down until he came. Look at all the players that have made it in the NFL thanks to his influence and teachings. I think we have gotten so use to how things have been over the last decade that we forget how bad the team was before he got here. Now in the last couple years that the team has struggled some people have said it is time for him to step down. Maybe his heart isn’t in it anymore, he obviously realizes he hasnt spent enough time with his family. I commend him on admitting this and respect his decision to want to step down and try make up for lost time. I also appreciate the fact that he wants to help in the decision making for his replacement. It shows how much pride he takes in this program. To many times athletes and coaches stick around to long and taint their legacy. For me Mr. Snyder will always have my up most respect as a person who put college football on the map for our state, and gave Kansasns a reason to cheer on Sundays. Thanks for the memories Bill
I had an uneasy feeling all day yesterday. I heard the news on my way to work in the morning. My head filled with questions and worry after hearing that Bill Snyder was soon to resign as coach of the Wildcats. Why was he retiring? How is his health? Who can possibly replace him? Later in the evening when I saw highlights of his news conference, my uneasiness disappeared. I believe and respect him for the reasons he gave and am relieved to hear health concerns were not a factor in his decision. Now once again I have a peaceful, easy feeling and congratulate him on a job well done. Thank you coach.
Hated it when they played Brian’s Song in school one time. Couldn’t let the chicks see you cry