my worst fear realized.

david barlow in the jungle.
Originally uploaded by IndyOtto.

I suppose it was bound to happen. Today was the day.

It all started out rather simply. As I always do ahead of a doubleheader, I completed all my set-ups and rehearsed the scripts and names for both games.

By the time I gathered all my wares, showered and got out the door, it was going on 3:10 p.m.; later than i like to be for a 4:30 starting time. My procrastination would ultimately get the best of me.

I pulled away from the house, noticing something was not right at all about the way my car was handling. It felt like somebody was pulling it backwards or something; just running slowly and "rumbly."

I didn't even make it down the block. I got out and inspected. Sure enough.....a flat tire. And by "flat" I mean the thing was nearly entirely off its rim.

I didn't panic, necessarily, but i knew the situation was dire. And the unthinkable -- the one thing I always feared might happened -- happened.

I was going to miss a game.

I've been doing IUPUI games for five years, basketball and soccer, and have never missed a game. Until today. I had no choice. Fortunately, I made arrangements with the previous PA announcer (who's still heavily involved with IUPUI) to work the game for me. Knowing I was handing it over to a guy who knows what to do was a big relief.

So I didn't roll into The Jungle until well into the second half of the women's game.

It was sort of weird, but in a good way, to see the game from the other side of it. I've never watched the Jags at home from any vantage point other than the scorers table. So -- rather than internalize the situation, pout, grumble, and obsess over it -- I simply enjoyed the moment. I really did. I walked around and watched the game from different places. I sat with the band (who gave me a wonderful greeting, I must say). I have to admit I sort of liked being a spectator.

But I really did miss calling the game. You have no idea how much fun this is for me.

I took over the reins for the men's game and was, to be honest, still a bit rattled by losing my timing. I get like Rain Man at this. I have a routine for the games. My routine was severely altered today, so my performance took an early hit.

I'd like to think I righted the ship enough to where nobody noticed, but I made a few early blunders. The good part, though, is the dancers and cheerleaders were not affected by it.

The really good part is both the men's and women's teams won. What does that mean? They're both still in first place.

Go Jags.

And on yeah....I'll never miss another home game again.

Ever.