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| Photo Credit to the Collegian.com |
I try to explain to others what the day is about to me. Why as an outsider, they should care about who Brandon Ream was, and why State College and Penn State as a community has come together in an attempt to honor his memory.
I tell them simply that he was one of the best kinds of people. In my particular case, I remember someone who would come and look out for you, whether it be offering tickets to games or showing up on your 21st birthday.
When I joined the PSU football team in 2002, he and I were the lone two from our class. While he was an invited walk-on, I had to try-out, but thankfully made it. Being a late addition was hard and I looked to Brandon to help show me around, and he was always extremely helpful.
He had the ability to be genuinely self-less in a seemingly overtly selfish world.
He was the ultimate teammate.
Despite our best efforts, the number one thing to talk about during team sports are the individuals. We regularly rank our top quarterbacks and NBA players. We compare 40 times and height and weights.
Brandon always seemed to be more interested in the team's success and what role he could play to help get them there.
While Brandon's playing career was based on football, arguably his favorite sport was basketball.
Basketball in many ways is one of the most intimate of team sports. Every player touches the ball and is in constant motion. With only 5 members of the team on the floor, you must become part of the group, as playing like an individual will typically lead to frustration.
Unlike football or baseball, rest and downtime are very little and on almost every possession multiple players can make dynamic decisions to alter the game. The structure of baseball, football, and soccer limit the opportunities based on the rules governing the game. A lineman in football, for example, is not allowed to run or throw the ball. Just because you're 7 feet tall doesn't mean you can't shoot threes.
In other words, just like in life, you must be quick to recognize movements as well as have the stamina to endure. However, just like in life, you are free to choose your own path despite whatever gifts or curses you may have been born into.
The interconnectedness and freedom of basketball is a great metaphor for what I believe Team Ream is all about.
The Team Ream charity and organization is about helping those within the local community battle cancer. They are essentially playing point guard within the community, attempting to help galvanize the incredibly talented power forward that is the Penn State community at large.
Cancer has taken my friend's life. But it will not take his spirit. We will continue to work and help one another and make our community the best it can be.
This Sunday, I hope you join us in our response. Support our basketball team, but more importantly, support each other.
Brandon always seemed to be more interested in the team's success and what role he could play to help get them there.
While Brandon's playing career was based on football, arguably his favorite sport was basketball.
Basketball in many ways is one of the most intimate of team sports. Every player touches the ball and is in constant motion. With only 5 members of the team on the floor, you must become part of the group, as playing like an individual will typically lead to frustration.
Unlike football or baseball, rest and downtime are very little and on almost every possession multiple players can make dynamic decisions to alter the game. The structure of baseball, football, and soccer limit the opportunities based on the rules governing the game. A lineman in football, for example, is not allowed to run or throw the ball. Just because you're 7 feet tall doesn't mean you can't shoot threes.
In other words, just like in life, you must be quick to recognize movements as well as have the stamina to endure. However, just like in life, you are free to choose your own path despite whatever gifts or curses you may have been born into.
The interconnectedness and freedom of basketball is a great metaphor for what I believe Team Ream is all about.
The Team Ream charity and organization is about helping those within the local community battle cancer. They are essentially playing point guard within the community, attempting to help galvanize the incredibly talented power forward that is the Penn State community at large.
Cancer has taken my friend's life. But it will not take his spirit. We will continue to work and help one another and make our community the best it can be.
This Sunday, I hope you join us in our response. Support our basketball team, but more importantly, support each other.
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