MOVING THE STICKS

by Dave Friant

Time for another jargon journey of mine as we mingle sports with real life matters of importance. Fulfilling management’s assignment to address some topics on occasion that might be of particular interest to males. Guys stuff. But, of course, always worthy of a looksee by the more good-lookin’ portions of the population. Areas that might attract sports buffs based on an article title that might also tip the scales of curiosity.

Moving the sticks. In this case, not an assignment for landscapers after 40+ MPH wind gusts does a number on our backyard live oaks. Nor busy work for nurse practitioners transferring tongue depressors from one room to another.

It’s simply a term to describe efforts to move forward on the football field. Four downs to get 10 yards on the march to the goal line. From shifty running backs behind offensive line sequoias to crafty QB’s tossing perfect spirals to open receivers, moving the sticks consistently downfield is a chore. Always a factor with successful drives are failures to successfully execute assignments and defensive schemes that outsmart the best of offensive coordinators. And who can take for granted those men and women wearing the striped outfits who toss their yellow flags (inconsistently at times) for perceived rule infractions?

The solution(s)? Highly paid coaches spend endless hours in their offices and on practice fields in an effort to gain advantages. Something close to consistent stick-moving that ideally leads to W’s in the standings. On occasion, specialty plays take center stage and at least for a period of time befuddle oppositions. One from the recent Super Bowl has been effectively adopted by those flying high Eagles from Philly. It’s the Tush Push. The controversial but highly effective short yardage gadget play that mirrors a rugby scrum. Somewhat similar to the attempt by the Mrs. during post-Christmas storage bin putback time. I’m annually stretched to the max on the fourth rung of the attic’s pulldown garage ladder when she adds the “little bit higher” vocal instruction while shoving my bottom.

The best of the best make their way to the National Football League and are theoretically divided somewhat equally by means of the draft. Parity is a tricky concept these days. Salary caps, career-ending injuries, selection performances by team ownerships (yes, a Star on a helmet comes to mind), and team cohesiveness line up as key factors when defining success on the gridiron.

Is it too late for old codgers (or codgerettes) to move their sticks/change a game plan? I’ve beaten this Secretariat to death (OK verbiage as viewed by my marital roomie) in prior pieces.

Maneuvering through narrowing guardrails as we age is not for the faint in heart. Bouts with illnesses. Financial uncertainties. Loneliness. Doubts about lasting impacts from our lives on others. Heavy stuff indeed. Complicated matters that we all face to varying degrees from time to time.

But hold on. Are we destined for stagnant existences from 4th down and long with no goal line in sight? Only blurry focuses of what can still be accomplished in our lives for the duration?

I’d like to think not. For the most part through intentional behaviors, we can course-correct when faced with dilemmas. The adage “old dogs can’t learn new tricks” is much less true than we think; far from the squatting canine at the fire hydrant seen during our daily neighborhood walks. We need to simply put on our big boy pants (or culottes if applicable), pray for direction, and get after it. Routes that elicit a large dose of faith-induced positivity. Most actions we take over matters of concern are modifiable. Not necessarily gut-wrenchers. New approaches with physical and mental health exercises. Involving ourselves with volunteer activities and other relationship building undertakings. Becoming less rock-like (resistant, unyielding, close-minded) with daily life and more sponge-like (ready to absorb new ideas, eager to learn) as we face challenges.

Still possible during our senior years is a march down the field with consistent moving of the sticks and a sustained drive toward the goal line.