Unfinished business by Bryant McGill

By BRYANT H. MCGILL - 08/26/05 - For the Journal-Constitution

I believe there is a deeper meaning to Southern college football. Sure, we have all heard the stories and witnessed the fervor and wrath of football in the South. Rivalries, savoring victories for years, legends and heroes, and ferocious competitions of what was, what could have been, and what will be the matchup of the century; these are a few hallmarks of real Southern college football. Many Southerners have tried to explain this passion to the uninitiated, usually to discover that it is hard to convey an ethos with mere words. But, for those of us who grew up around it, we know that college football is a reflection of the Southern way of life.

The South, it seems, has unfinished business.

All people invest their pride in their youth; Southerners are no different, nor was my grandfather, who may have been the greatest Alabama football fan who ever lived. He watched every game and had a shrine of photographs, Daniel Moore prints, autographs and memorabilia. He loved the Crimson Tide, and followed Bear Bryant's career with Alabama from day one. My name was likely inspired by my grandfather's hero, Paul "Bear" Bryant, who he endlessly quoted to me, saying, "If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride — and never quit, you'll be a winner."

Well, one day my grandfather had the privilege of meeting his hero. What did he do when he stood before his idol? Did he have something signed to add to his collection? No, he had an autograph signed for me, "To Bryant, From Bryant — Believe in yourself." For sure, the one thing he loved more than football was his grandson. For many Southerners, college football is more than just a game. It is a part of our childhood, our dearest memories, our coming-of-age, our traditions and our celebration of life, competition and excellence.

The embodiment of Bear Bryant's quote lives on in the traditions and will of the Southern people's determination. Southerners believe in themselves, have dedication and pride, and will never quit, and for these reasons will always be winners.

— American poet Bryant H. McGill is a Mobile, Ala., native, the author of the award-winning "McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme," and editor of the American Review Literary Journal.