By Matthew Johnson, Sports Editor

Published in print Mar. 4, 2015

My 21st birthday two weeks ago provided me a chance to contemplate thoughts abounding from family, friends, the future, and work.

Deeply appreciative for all which has happened to me in all my years on the planet, both the uplifting joy and soul-crushing sorrow, I especially reflected on one of the largest influences on my life, sports.

Though some may not understand the passion fans have for athletic games, as for me, I grew up watching, playing, and talking sports. It is as part of me as my curly hair or the teeth that I brush four times a day (not an exaggeration). In the theme of last month’s Valentine’s Day, I love sports in a way which only love can be loved.

Viewing all the events that happened last month, there is still plenty that I learned and loved.

  

1. NBA’s MVP is up for grabs

While Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is the frontrunner for the award, there are a gluttony of strong candidates who I can see overtake the sharp shooter. Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and James Harden of the Houston Rockets are having proficient seasons leading their respective teams, even though their units have each battled injuries. Forwards Marc Gasol and Anthony Davis are each having career years.

LeBron James is still the game’s best player and is leading a revitalized Cleveland Cavaliers team to one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.

With so many great players vying for the award, this is another showing of how spread out the talent is in the league, which is a positive.   

2. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather likely to be fabled fight

Though I am not a boxing expert, I absolutely love the history of the sport. Pac-Man and Money Mayweather are the top two boxers of the sport and have finally agreed to duel at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2 after years of negotiation.

The fight is projected to be the highest grossing fight of all time and has again cast boxing into the spotlight it once owned for generations.

Likely reaching the publicity heights of previous legendary matches between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, as well as Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns, I am legitimately exciting for a boxing match, a statement I was unsure I would ever utter. 

3. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick again prove greatness

The quarterback and head coach duo, with their track record of excellence reaching 15 years, again showed their excellence with a fourth Super Bowl ring together.

Defeating the Seattle Seahawks on the first day of the month, while some may not forgive the duo for their alleged rumors of dishonesty, the two still have to go out onto the field of play and perform. And there is perhaps no better pair which have done this in the league’s history.

4. Women’s Basketball is the worst team on campus

Before last week’s impressive victory against Wofford, the Women’s basketball team did not win a basketball game in 2015. Films such as The Interview and Selma were in theaters, and had finished their theatrical run before Wendy Palmer’s squad had last won a basketball game.

The team finished the regular season at 6-23 with only one conference win. And I would be shocked. Shocked! Yes, that shocked, if the team makes much noise in the conference tournament this week. The team has talent, and Palmer has won games in the past, but drastic changes need to occur before the team is relevant again for a conference title.

5. Softball looks strong in early season

Though the team had far too many cancellations due to inclement weather last month, when the team has played, the softball teams looks like a team likely to compete for a conference title. Janelle Breneman’s unit has an overall 7-3 record  a month into the season.

Big wins including a come from behind win against UNC-Charlotte as well as a double-header sweep of George Washington, has the team on a five game winning streak.

With bats such as Dominique Madruga and Danielle Vega starting the season hot, with a strong anchor in Alicia Bazonski leading the rotation, the team should continue to play well going into March.