Friday Links Roundup: LOOOONG Games Edition

Well, I’ve watched one in every favorite sport now. Yes, I’ve lost some sleep in my life watching some long games, but it has been worth it. The strategy, fortitude, and excitement that surrounds games that go to multiple extra “sessions” is what sports fans love.

I watched when the Flyers and Penguins played into the fifth overtime of a playoff game in 2000. Keith Primeau finally sent us to bed around 2:30 in the morning.

I watched the Braves-Astros National League divisional game that lasted 18 innings and caused the Houston Chronicle to have to post an article that the game hadn’t ended! Chris Burke (remember him?) finally hit the game-winning home run, 5 hours and 50 minutes into the Sunday afternoon affair, and Roger Clemens won…in relief.

I watched last year’s Wimbledon men’s final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Nearing five hours, and playing into the dark, Nadal finally won the fifth set 9-7.

I’ve seen two of the three longest college football games. Since adding overtime, two games have gone seven overtimes and one has gone six. I watched the Kentucky-Arkansas game that went into seven overtimes, won by the Razorbacks 71-68 (isn’t that a great football score?).

Then, there was last night…

I kept an eye on Syracuse and Connecticut for a while, but was reading and watching other things by myself and with Leah. Finally, with about 5 minutes to go in regulation, I had to watch the end of the game. Little did I know I’d be watching into Friday morning. Six overtimes, and a remarkable Syracuse win, later, I can say I watched the second-longest game in NCAA D-1 history. It was a privilege to watch, and I don’t say that about games often.

Here’s a 2:31 video of the highlights, in case you missed it:

What are your thoughts on long games?

On to the links for this week…

1. Simple yet profound, Paula Harrington reminds us that there was a far more important “bailout” way before the United States was founded.

2. Jeremiah Tatum taught a class at the Dexter, Missouri, youth rally last weekend and writes of some “Disturbing Trends” he learned from his preparation and teaching. Parents, this is a must-read!

3. I like simple posts that remind us of things that are truly important. Trent Wheeler takes us “Back to Basics.”

4. Ever heard of a church building being blown, literally, off its foundation? My dad read of one, and it led to his great post, “Completely Off Its Foundation.” Preachers, this would make a wonderful sermon starter or illustration.

5. Recently, several have noted the trends unveiled by researchers saying that many Americans are leaving churches. Scott McCown has some good thoughts in his post “Why Members are Exiting Churches,” and offers some practical helps as well.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. If you need something to listen to, click on our new feature on the right-hand side. There is a link to take you to the homepage for the iPreach podcast on Talkshoe. Enjoy!

Keep up with the Madness. Next week, Matt Reaves and I will unveil our tournament preview, so be watching for that.

No matter where you are, don’t forget the Lord on His day.