In the 1929 Rose Bowl game between the University of California Bears and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Cal offensive lineman Roy Reigels made a historic play. He snatched up a ball on the first bounce that had been fumbled by Georgia Tech running back Stumpy Thomason (I love that name) and got spun around and proceeded to run 64 yards toward an apparent touchdown – only he was running the wrong way – toward his own team’s goal line. Speedy Cal running back Benny Lom chased him down, trying to convince him to stop. Reigels thought Lam was trying to get him to lateral the ball to him so he could get credit for the touchdown. He ignored the warnings until finally Lam caught him at the one yard line and got him to stop. But it was too late. Tech players tackled him at the one yard line.

Of course in 1929, offensive schemes were quite conservative, so Cal lined up (with Reigels at center) to punt. Tech’s Vance Maree broke through to block the punt and the ball rolled out of the end zone resulting in a safety and 2 points for Tech. That play provided the margin of victory as Tech won the Rose Bowl 8 – 7 capping off a perfect 10-0 season and a national championship.

What about our journey through life?  Could it be that we are scoring touchdowns in the wrong end zone? Is the success we chase going to matter in eternity? When we stand before Jesus will we impress Him with our toys and trophies? Are the things we are living for worth dying for? Is it time we reassess our priorities?

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?For what can a man give in return for his soul? Mark 8:36-37

Oh, by the way, in 1971 Roy Reigels and Benny Lom were granted honorary membership in the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Letterman’s Club. A step up, I would say, for a couple of Cal Bears.