Not your normal fight song

BYU–HawaiiStudents Not your normal fight song

December 7, 2009—While sitting in the stands watching the Chaminade Silverswords play the BYU–Hawaii Seasiders in a 2009 NCAA II men’s basketball game, I kept thinking to myself, “This game is really physical. If the refs don’t gain control, a fight’s going to break out.” Throughout the entire game, players were getting fouled left and right with no calls, jerseys were being pulled from their normal tucked-in positions, and arms seemed to be flailing with a little something extra.

Then it happened. Not one, but two fights broke out. Two bodies fell to the floor under the basket, while a scrum erupted toward the Chaminade bench. Players from both benches maintained their positions by the urging of coaches. No punches appeared to be thrown, but it did take several seconds before order was restored.

Spectators in the stands stood simultaneously, trying to figure out what had just happened. A feeling of tension filled the arena. Most of the fans sat back down, while a few of the more macho ones remained standing, chests pumped, waiting for a chance to storm the court and defend the home team. The referees gathered to discuss punishment.

Then, a sound. The electric piano player from the BYU–Hawaii pep band began playing a song. At first I didn’t recognize the tune. It was not your normal upbeat, arena rock stuff. After several notes, I finally recognized it. I had heard it many times before, but never at a basketball game. It was the church hymn, Where Can I Turn For Peace.

Laughter broke out. How ridiculous. Why in the world would the pep band piano player play such a song, especially at a time like this? But then the laughter soon turned to silence. The piano player, unfazed, continued playing with composure until the song ended.

Cheers from the stands filled my ears as I sat there wondering what had just happened. It was such a spontaneous, ridiculous, humorous, thoughtful, and ultimately spiritual moment.

The uneasiness that existed just a few short minutes before was gone. The refs gave out a few technical fouls, a couple of players were ejected and the game continued without incident. Partly due to the refs finally taking charge and fulfilling their job responsibilities, but also because of a brave and thoughtful piano player who knew where to turn for peace.

Photo: BYU–Hawaii Photography