Sickened by yet another Texas Ranger complaining, when he just should shut up and start homering? Bummed that OU’s 2005 football team, in hindsight, actually went 0-4? Depressed that, despite repeated first-round playoff flame-outs, the Dallas Stars are actually going to play another 82 regular-season games next season? Take solace. I’ve got two feel-good sports destinations for you this weekend.
Make time Saturday to be happy, courtesy of folks who have turned adversity into prosperity. Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and his shiny new Super Bowl ring will be at the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church Men’s Conference Saturday morning. Dungy, whose 18-year-old son, James, committed suicide two days before Christmas in ’05, will speak around 11:30 a.m. and no doubt tout his new book, Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life.
For continued inspiration head up to the Frisco Rough Riders game later Saturday for the Second Annual Chandler Jackson Night. Chandler, as I wrote in the paper version of Unfair Park back in ’05, was the wonderful Frisco kid tragically killed in a freak golf club accident. Instead of drowning in misery, Chandler’s parents and sister founded the Chandler Jackson Youth Foundation to help area children.
His mom Charmane, who recently underwent double hip replacement surgery due to a rare degenerative bone disease, father Rick, and sister Lindsey, who spent the last year doing missionary work in Australia, will throw out the game’s first pitch. There’s plenty of time to analyze and dissect what’s wrong with sports. For one day, get out and experience all that’s right. --Richie Whitt
