Ole Misc.: Marathon Monday is Here

Today is Patriots' Day, a day which celebrates the Battles of Lexington and Concord and, subsequently, the beginnings of the American Revolution. As per custom, today is also the day of the Boston Marathon, one of the oldest, most celebrated, and significant footraces in the world. Thousands of people, many of whom are friends and classmates of mine, will be trudging through the 26.2 mile course, hoping to become some of the few runners able to boast the completion of such a prestigious event. It's also a day off of work and school in Massachusetts, meaning that millions of people will be able to attend the race themselves.

I'll be there, somewhere right around mile 9-ish, cheering and tailgating (do they call it that?) as much as one can for an event like this. As many of the Cup's more dedicated readers already know, I live in the greater Boston area for now, and I missed last year's race in person. I was passively watching it at home - yes, that's a thing here - but I wasn't out along the course enjoying the April sun and encouraging the amateur racers along.

This year, I'm making a point to attend. After last year's Boston Marathon bombing, I had reactions similar to those of the rest of the world. I was saddened, confused, a bit angry, and worried that those events signaled some sort of "new normal" wherein no public place was safe enough, and no event was too sacred for those who wish to hurt and terrify strangers. As a non-native, I didn't rally behind "Boston Strong" or feel personally affronted that someone would do something like that on Patriot's Day. As a sports fan, however, I was saddened and even angered that someone would take such an occasion as a race run largely by amateurs cheered on mostly by strangers as one during which to commit an act of terrorism.

That's why I'm going today. Because I like sports, I like people, and I like America. The best way, I feel, to demonstrate that the actions of last year aren't the harbinger of harsh new realities to come is to simply treat today as "business as usual." They can't ruin sports for us if we won't let them, and I intend to do my part to make that clear.

Other (Ole Miss related this time, I swear) links:

• Another shutout lifts LSU to series win over Ole Miss. We'll have more on this in our Right Field Review. It sucks, but the sky's not falling, y'all.
• Ole Miss changes calls to throw of SEC rivals LIKE TYLER SISKEY AMIRITE?!?!
• Phil Bryant to serve as commencement speaker this year.