GroshLink

As Lance Armstrong comes down the home stretch to retire on top of cycling by winning a record setting 7th Tour de France title, I can't help but wonder can he really retire?

Some have termed his cancer survival story and return to top racing form epic, a must watch TV event. Lance has immense popularity, a treasury of endorsements, and numerous special appearences (many of which include his rock star girlfriend Cheryl Crow by his side). But we've seen so many athletes go out on top only to return because the game, the competition, the team, the money, the popularity could not be replaced (even in the commentator booth).

In a small way, I have felt that way with basketball. I've not played on an organized team since 11th grade. BUT I can't stop playing . . . now I'm playing 3x a week at 6:15am with a group of guys week after week, whether there are 6 or 12 in gym. Now this isn't a comeback of cosmic proportions, but there's something about getting back on the court after you've been told it might never happen again. In the spring I participated in my first 3-3 tournament, our team won. Yesterday, I was asked about my interest in playing on a CMU faculty/staff team which annually scrimmages the Lady Tartans. My blood is flowing. I'm ready coach!

Nothing like getting back into competition to prove that you can do it one more time . . . Some don't retire, they just take Sabbaticals. Michael Jordan came back again and again. Waiting to see what happens next.