September 28th, 2002. 24 years ago. It's seared into my memory. #19 Iowa State beat #20 Nebraska at Jack Trice Stadium, ending a 10-year run of being Nebraska's punching bag. In the two preceding years, Nebraska beat Iowa State 49-27 and 48-14. But on September 28th, 2002, I was in the building for that special moment. I remember jumping the barrier and sprinting onto the field. I remember nearly losing my footing and getting trampled, but recovering quickly enough to practically rub shoulders with Seneca Wallace, our star quarterback, in the mayhem. I remember the fans dangling from the goalposts. It's seared into my memory.
Last night, tens of thousands of students created a similar memory when Iowa State beat #25 Oklahoma State 51-49 with a field goal as time expired. Similar to that fateful day in 2002, it was absolute mayhem as the students stormed the field. I hope everyone had fun, I hope everyone stayed safe, and I hope those moments are seared into their memories forever.
Those are the types of memories that are more valuable than anything money can buy. I don't claim to have the best memory in the world, but I value those seared-in moments more than any possession or bank account balance could ever.
My message today is simple. Pursue memories. Chase them. Seek them out. Put yourself in ridiculous positions. Present yourself to the moment. Soak it in. Don't take it for granted.
One day, all your possessions will be in a landfill, and the money will either be spent or passed on to someone else. But in your last breaths, Lord willing, those seared-in memories will still be floating around in there. Cherish them, respect them, and enjoy them.
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