NCAA needs Pac-12 National Champion team, say Washington Football?
By Bret Stuter
![ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: A detailed view of a Washington Huskies fan before the 2016 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: A detailed view of a Washington Huskies fan before the 2016 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6db56b2745a3aa5faa9b919d2bf0b5a420bd612585ce560033dd7aa682dcb963.jpg)
3. Celebrity heroism is on the decline in this nation
There will always be a component of the American population which opts to follow celebrities. People whose lives they wish to emulate, and who, whether by athleticism or acting, are part of the nation’s entertainment. In fact, it’s what we do to distract ourselves from the cares and worries of daily life.
Celebrity heroism factor is on the wane. Between reality shows (where we see far too much) and scandalous news, famous people are now portrayed with fewer and fewer admirable qualities. The NCAA championship elevates a team to the national stage.
In the process, young men automatically become living examples of youth who want to achieve their own lofty goals. In a time of numerous scandals, it’s difficult to find a hero.
The Washington Football team has no such scandals. In fact, it’s the type of scholastic program which advocates education, athleticism, and encourages players to find a good balance. That is not to say that the program offers casual participation. Worthwhile goals require dedication and training. UW simply offers the type of coaching and techniques to help players achieve their goals.
And the team is not immune to disciplinary problems. But the program has a reputation of self-policing. While other Pac-12 programs offer similarly enviable cultures, none dispute the empowerment infused in the Washington Football program. At UW, “next man up” is reality, which means regardless of where a player falls on the depth chart, they must be physically and mentally prepared to contribute each and every game.