Is this finally ‘our’ year?

As I write, the Seattle Seahawks are two days away from playing in the Super Bowl. I never thought I would see the words Seahawks and Super Bowl in the same sentence.

I have been a lifelong fan of the Hawks since their inception. During the past week I have been flashing back to Effren Herrera faking field goals … Dan Doornink running for touchdowns … Zorn-to-Largent completions … Kenny Easley hits … Jacob Green sacks … and Joe Nash’s “injuries” to stop the clock.

Being a Seahawks fan has meant (watching) great offense, great defense, and great special teams, but not all at the same time. We have finally made it to the pinnacle of a Super Bowl championship.

Why do I feel nervous as the game approaches? As a Northwest sports fan I have experienced numerous close calls. The Refuse-to-Lose Mariners of 1995. The Elite Eight Zags. The Rose Bowl Cougars. All came close but didn’t win the big championship. Is this finally the year all the near misses and close calls will be buried and the state of Washington can celebrate a championship team? Here is hoping the Seahawks do us proud because, win or lose, I will always be proud to support the great teams our state produces.

Keith Hoekema

Spokane