“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

Some people would argue that passion for the game has been left to high schools and colleges to take care of. The pros have become blinded by greed, wealth, and laziness. But what causes us kids to possess such a huge interest in such a simple, fast, and sometimes heartbreaking activity?

“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi

Sports give people the chance to feel some of the highest highs and lowest lows we as humans can face. They allow us to channel such basic human instincts: friendship, sportsmanship, and athletic achievement. Ask any athlete about their relationship with their sport: it’s waking up every morning sore, tired, and mentally exhausted combined with the constant battle between this sport and the stress of school. But shortly they’ll begin smile and their mood will change. It’s about the people-the best friends-they’ll say. It’s about the massive crowd full of screaming fans, it’s about the pure love of the sport. It’s completely about the game.

“Winners have simply formed the habit of doing things losers don’t like to do.” Albert Gray

Since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans, people have competed at a level created by a pure thirst for victory. We have created these games, sports, and activities to earn a sense of pride and accomplishment. There is a genetic desire and instinct within kids like us to only want nothing less than the best. They thrive off of that idea-that dream-and fulfill it with every single action.

“All I want out life, is that when I walk down the street folks will say, “There  goes the greatest hitter that ever lived.” Ted Williams

You see, we choose to be athletes not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. We see the light that comes from unified trust and victory. We understand that there is a price to pay for anything, and are anxious to it. We understand the heritage within our great sports; we just know.

And, of course, we do it for the love of the game.

“All our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney