Battle of the Bluegrass

Well the Battle of the Bluegrass is over. The University of Kentucky defeated the University of Louisville in a great NCAA Final Four match up. There were U of L fans in red and U of K fans in blue. All supporting their team. It's funny how a lot of things in life are addressed as red against blue. The Bloods versus the Crips, the Republicans versus the Democrats, the Poor versus the Rich, and many more. As in politics some of the fans are inflexible, and it is either Louisville or Kentucky, and there is no compromise. Even as with politics a positive result, no matter which team, would be good for the state and everyone will win.

In the end U of K prevailed and showed that they had the better team with better talent. The final score was 69 to 61, and Louisville never conceded defeat until the end. Both coaches were gracious at the end of the game complimenting their adversary. Both agree that the University of Kentucky will now be the representative of the bluegrass state in the championship game.

Another interesting thing that comes to mind is the change in both coaches. My pastor referred to it as Forever Easter. On the weekend of palm Sunday we look towards Easter and resurrection. John Calipari is a great coach in my opinion, having demonstrated his skills at several schools. However, he has faced adversity and was broken down by the scandal at both the schools he has taken to the Final Four. Allegations of cheating and games wiped out during his tenure. He was at the top of his game and then he was broken down. He is now humble and a community giver. He now be in for his resurrection to the level of champion with his current group of young men.

Rick Petino was also at the top of his game. he had it going on and surely believed he was something. But like others be was broken. Broken first by the loss of his brother in law and one of his best friends on 9/11. His team with two lottery picks and ranked #1 in the NCAA tournament eliminated in the final four. And then ,worst of all a scandal based on infidelity and extortion that was laid open by the media for all to critique. But I think Rick has been resurrected and is now a better man and happier man. He didn't have the best team but he had a team with a good heart. I believe God took him where he couldn't have gone by himself.

Life is funny and should be a joy. Rev. Cosby says that "When it's a self thing, it's forced, but when it's a God thing it flows" and I believe him.