The past year in sports proved to be not only fascinating, but full of human triumph and ambition. As I have said before, who needs reality television or silly network dramas? The wide world of sports has stories that you simply can’t fabricate! With so many choices, it was difficult to narrow this down. After careful consideration, I have chosen what I think are the most significant representations of “best” in sports for the year 2007. There really were many to decide from, so don’t fret if you think I have forgotten something. One person’s significant is another’s immaterial, or at least less important.

The 5 most exciting, inspiring, exhilarating, electrifying…you get the picture (in random order):

1. Brett Favre’s leadership: Possibly the best example of perseverance and excellence in professional sports today, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has led his team to the playoffs in his 17th NFL season. His awesome work ethic is truly inspiring. In the last few years, he has lost his father, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, his mother had a serious health scare, his brother-in-law was killed on his property, and his family home was destroyed in the hurricanes of 2005. Even with all these events happening in a short time span, he managed to set NFL records for passing, touchdowns, and consecutive starts. Think about that next time you make a shallow excuse for missing work!

2. Gator football and basketball: Not only did the University of Florida Gators football team win the BCS National Championship Game, but their men’s basketball team repeated as national champs.

3. Fiesta Bowl – Boise State Broncos upset Oklahoma Sooners: Heavily favored Oklahoma was leading by two scores in the last ninety seconds. With sheer heart and some trick plays, Boise State shocked the Sooners with a 43-42 victory in overtime. Who can forget running back Ian Johnson’s winning touchdown in which he celebrated by asking his cheerleader girlfriend to marry him – right there on broadcast television!

4. Anaheim Ducks win the Stanley Cup: For a team borne from a Disney movie with a silly moniker – the Anaheim Ducks won their first Stanley Cup in the franchise’s young 14-year history. This team from sunny Southern California beat the Ottawa (Canada!) Senators! In another historic tidbit – the Duck’s Niedermayer brothers were the first sibling team members to play on a Cup-winning team since 1993 (Brent and Duane Sutter of the New York Islanders).

5. The United States defeats Japan in the Little League World Series: If you’ve never watched the Little League World Series televised from Williamsport, PA every year you are missing out. This event is likely the most raw, unspoiled event in sports today. While its commercialism and competition have grown, these kids play with pure emotion and diligence. Since kids from all over the world compete, we see how the sport crosses language barriers and cultural lines to unify the players. This year’s winning team from Warner Robbins, GA went in as underdogs and won by one run in the 8th inning.