Column - Sympathy for the Lug

Gov. Chet Culver stepped in it again this week. But this time, I felt his pain.

On Saturday, Culver's office sent out a news release praising Iowa for its football victory over Michigan State, which gave the Hawks an 8-0 record for the first time in school history. I was still hyperventilating after Marvin McNutt's touchdown grab when my BlackBerry buzzed with the governor's gushing.

Trouble is, Culver failed to congratulate Iowa State on its surprising win over Nebraska earlier in the day, the first Cyclone victory in Lincoln since the Carter administration. Oops.

By Monday, Culver was backpedaling like a cornerback, trying to deflect ISU ire. He proclaimed his deep love for Cyclones, Hawks and Panthers. And he promised to cheer, in person, at any and all bowls or playoff games. Now that's what I call making lemons into luxury boxes.

At least he didn't do something rash, like issue an executive order changing the name of Iowa's highest point, now Hawkeye Point and pictured above, to Cyhawkpandog Point, or Pander Mountain for short.

Still, I sympathize with the Big Lug.

I started my career as a small town sports editor/photographer/reporter/towel boy. And in that capacity, I ruined the lives of countless young people. At least that's what their parents said.

I failed to run their kids' photos when they were named special honorable mention all-conference. Photos I did print often failed to capture their child at his or her best. I failed to adequately laud heroics and I mentioned errors with disregard to the deep psychological damage such disclosure would surely cause. Why did I cover that? Why did I not cover this?

One reader got out a ruler and proved that basketball column inches eclipsed wrestling inches. In essence, I was an Olympic-sized dispenser of disrespect.

The only thing we love as much as the accolade is complaining about the slight. Luckily, in the long run, none of that matters.

Culver's snub reminded me of 21 Octobers ago when I was a senior in high school and my cross country team earned a surprise trip to state. In my hometown, it was custom to give state-qualifying teams a fire-engine-escort welcome back to town, so my coach called ahead to ready the sirens.

Trouble is, our volleyball team also was coming home from a game that night. Its bus got to town first. Confused firefighters rolled out and bemused volleyball players got an unexpected salute. When we got to town, no fire trucks.

Maybe we felt slighted. I can't remember. All I recall is being proud and happy and enjoying the ride.

Contact the writer: (319) 398-1452 or todd.dorman@gazcomm.com