Aaron Miller
For those of us who are graduates or fans of Purdue University, it’s been a tough football season. While we may be outnumbered here in the Columbus area by devotees of another state school, there are still a lot of us. Our misery this season has not been helped by the fact that our in-state rival is having an historic season and is headed to the College Football Playoffs. That stings. And the cream and crimson have accomplished all of this in their very first season with a new head coach.
I don’t even want to talk about the Old Oaken Bucket game this year. I am just going to pretend that didn’t happen.
As I write this column, Purdue has announced that Barry Odom has been named the new head football coach. I hope he can return the Boilers to the glory days of Jack Mollenkopf and Joe Tiller.
To be fair, Purdue had a brutal schedule this season. We faced several top 10 opponents in the new Big Ten. We faced Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, and the previously-mentioned in-state rival. All of these teams are headed to the playoffs. Some of our other opponents are ranked and are now headed to bowl games.
I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to Oregon, UCLA and USC being in the Big Ten. And since the league now has 18 teams, maybe it’s time for a new name for the conference?
I did feel sorry for the players on the field for Purdue. I know they worked hard and this is not the season they wanted. We lost games this season for a variety of reasons, and all of that certainly can’t be laid at the feet of the players alone. And I commend the players who continued to fight the good fight until the very last minute of the Old Oaken Bucket Game. They could have quit any time this season.
Despite enduring a dreadful season, I’ve learned a few things along the way. A few years ago, I read “The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama. He argues that we should rejoice when we have a difficult situation or have to deal with an unpleasant person. I’m not quite to the rejoicing part of that equation yet, but I am working on it.
We don’t learn much about ourselves when we win easily or are handed something without much effort. When we face challenges, that is an opportunity to grow as a person. It has certainly been a challenge to root for the Purdue Boilermakers this season.
Losing is a test of character. We cannot win every situation in life. Can you lose with grace and dignity? Or will you blame the officials and claim the game wasn’t fair? Will you accuse your opponents of cheating? Or can you admit your faults, congratulate your opponent, shake their hand, and at least mutter “good game” through gritted teeth? That takes a degree of toughness and grace.
I’ve always wondered about the kids who played on high school teams that won almost every game and were always competing for state titles. Did they actually learn anything? Or did they just expect to always win? I don’t think that teaches you very much about life.
Defeat teaches us about fortitude and perseverance. Are we willing to do the things necessary to win the next time? It also teaches us about having hope and staying optimistic.
So as a down-but-not-out Boilermaker, I have hope for improvement for next season. I know that wouldn’t take much—two wins would be an improvement. But losing also teaches you about setting realistic goals. Looking on the bright side, Bruno’s has returned to West Lafayette, so we can at least cheer on the Boilers with a slice of amazing pizza. In the meantime, believe or not, I will be rooting for the Indiana Hoosiers football team to win it all.
Aaron Miller is one of The Republic’s community columnists and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. He has a doctorate in history and is an associate professor of history at Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
