Barnstormers and plucky little grandmas

It was only two months ago tonight Jamie and I went to our first indoor arena football game with a friend to see the Iowa Barnstormers lose to the Predators. Well, we didn't actually go because we wanted the Barnstormers to lose - it just happened that way and we were there to see it.

I learned a lot - including now knowing that when the football flies out into the crowd, just like in baseball, the lucky catcher gets to keep the ball. Unfortunately no loose footballs flew up near our seats in the "more affordable upper deck that still has a good view of the field" nosebleed section. We were ready all the same. Jamie would have caught one for me. I just know it!

The game was fun and we really enjoyed the fast pace. The best part of the night for me, however, was when a player fell over the padded barricade in the end zone while trying to catch a pass for the touchdown and in the process he fell into the crowd gathered around the edge under the uprights. As he fell, this tiny little Grandma reaches over and nonchalantly plucks the football out of his hands, and then waves it high in the air (well, as high as her arms could reach) in a double-fisted victory grip. The crowd roared in response getting louder and louder each time the whole scene was replayed on the big screen overhead.

So kudos to all the spunky Grandmas out there who aren't afraid to take on rushing football players all in the spirit of catching a "loose" ball so they can show it to their grandkiddies and retell their exploits for years to come. My hat's off to you!