A low thundering horn sounded, signifying a goal in the third period. That game-winning goal, no matter how brilliant, never could have topped what happened before the game clock even started to tick.-á
A man who many remember and know well was in Fort Wayne Saturday night for a sellout Komets hockey game. He was there to support children with life-threatening illnesses, but he had the time to appear in front of a frantic crowd and drop the puck. He was Muhammad Ali.
After team introductions, 10,503 fans awaited a moment they would not easily forget. In a darkened coliseum with spotlights flashing all around, an announcer's voice said, "The champ is here!" At that moment a radio clip from the past blared the ceremonial calling of the fight between Ali and Joe Frazier. As the sound of the historic fight penetrated through the speakers, adrenaline rose. The announcer boomed "Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!" and a cart came onto the ice and circled the arena.
Ali, sitting in the front of the cart waved to the crowd. The cart slowly circled the arena and the crowd did what seemed to be a wave, only with revering noise, not arms. Fans went wild as Ali approached each section.
Only one word could properly describe it: Great!
Chants of "Ali, Ali, Ali," could be heard while camera flashes popped from all areas and levels of the arena, like the grand finale to a fireworks show. Players slapped hockey sticks on the ice in recognition of his presence like a group of people bowing down to an omniscient emperor.-á
Then something happened that no one expected from a man who has symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Maybe it was the unbelievable adrenaline rush he got from the crowd. Maybe it was something inside him that was just waiting to come out. Whatever it was, he stepped out of that cart and did the Ali shuffle at center ice. The shadow boxing took almost everyone by surprise. People clapped, cheered, yelled, celebrated, remembered and reveled at the sight at center ice.
The noise of the crowd dissolved into respectful silence as soon as Ali took the puck into his hand. He dropped the puck and a voice somewhere near section 229 yelled, "You're the greatest!" The puck hit the ice and the crowd erupted again.-á
Ali got back in his cart and high-fived every player. His joyful personality continued to shine when he met the Komets mascot, who approached him fists cuffed and arms out. Ali waited for the mascot to get closer then touched his chest with his hand and the mascot jokingly fell. His face filled with the joy that so often overwhelms him.-á
Ali's presence was fitting for the hockey game. With him in the house, you knew it was a matter of time before a fight broke out. Then it came 10 minutes into the third, followed by an encore.
Like many people who will read this, I'm unable to remember his fights, but I still know the legend he has left behind. For many people like myself who only hear those vivid fight stories, Ali is a humanitarian. He is a man who spreads his beliefs and values to everyone, while never thinking only of himself.-á-á-á
The voice from section 229 said it best that night. Ali is arguably one of the greatest individuals in sports, if not the greatest. From his appointment as United Nations Messenger of Peace to his personal values of peace, social responsibility, respect and personal growth, he defines the word "great."-á-á-á-á-á-á
While writing this I've asked myself one question. How many of today's great athletes have done as much for the world as Ali has done?
Write to Justin at jnhesser@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
