February 1, 2017 marked the official transition from the 2016 College Football season to the 2017 season. It was national signing day. I listened to all kinds of sports talk radio about it yesterday. Nationally, regionally and locally, all the sports heads were talking about it.
Nationally, the most interesting story I heard was about a kid who layered up for his announcement and showed himself wearing shirts from Florida State & Florida before finally committing to USC. Seems like something that may become more common place with the whole "look at me on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram" kids that we have growing up right now. The other one was about the "great" recruiting class that Alabama once again brought in.
Regionally, the talked about were the recruits for the Gophers, Bison and Sioux. But there are at least a dozen colleges in those areas that depend on national signing day for their life blood. From Northwestern & Bethel to MSU Moorhead, Concordia, UM Morris and on and on and on. Though on the unfair side of things, reality is that the bigger schools will always get more attention for who they bring in. They have the radio & tv contracts. They have the bigger fan bases. They have the prominence. So it's sensible but for the kids & coaches at the also-rans today meant just as much.
It gives them the chance to receive an education. Allows them to meet new people, learn new skills, and make memories for the rest of their lives.
One day
One decision
That changes peoples lives, sometimes permanently.
It's fun for the fans to talk about. Surely fun for the coaches to see the pay off for their hours of recruiting. But it's most important for the thousands of young men who on a single day determine the next years of their lives. Whether it's at NDSU, the University of Minnesota, Alabama or at Minnesota State Community & Technical College in Fergus Falls. It's the same. It matters the same because it's an opportunity for them to advance in their lives.
Some who read that may disagree with me & I would welcome the discussion. But what shouldn't be in debate is that in a single day, schools, futures & lives transition into a proverbial new day. Let's not forget that just because some get to be on tv every week while others never get broadcast!