There is a creaky, windowless door at the top of a steep staircase littered with soiled strips of tape and empty energy drink bottles. The door remains closed during working hours, but as the markets close and the sun glows orange against the western facing windows of downtown Chicago, the staircase leading to this door becomes a focal point where both future champions and destined failures walk in their final moments as equals into the decrepit arena of 950 Weed Street…
On the fourth of March in two thousand and nine, a group of Imagination employees pulled open the door and stepped onto the wood floor of the court that had been their arena for the past seven weeks. Composed of editors, web designers, marketers, broadcast editors and strategists, the diverse collection put aside their business specialties and dignified skill sets to put on high socks, strap padding to their shins, wear bright orange shirts (all while braving personal injury, emotional strain and pure embarrassment) to engage in an instinctive and physical battle over a ball.
Some stepped into the arena that night hoping to score their first goals–their first carvings on the wall—and others came strictly for the exercise, the man-to-man physicality of the sport, the power of a steal or a block. Still others came more experienced and hoping to improve their sporting and carry their inexperienced peers. They all came ready to perform to their fullest in their final night.
The battle commenced and players switched in and out helping both block shots and assist goals. Goals were scored for both teams. Imagination fans stood and shouted in joy and leaned and scowled in sadness. There were intense moments both in making impossible shots and in missing the easiest blocks.
But while the door at the top of the steep worn-in staircase on Weed Street may soon be a distant memory for the Imagination team, we will never forget the time we spent there, not as employees of Imagination, or as editors, web designers, marketers, and broadcasters, but as human beings brought together for a common and simple goal: Put the ball in the goal. Work as a team. Have fun.
As our team headed off to celebrate the game, despite the losing outcome, one small question remained in each of their heads: what about the playoffs?
Tonight at 7, the Imagination soccer team could start on their trail of destruction as they come back and have a surprise finish, beating out all the teams they previously lost to, or they could get shut out and have their quiet season come to a silent end. Will Michelle score her first goal? Will Riley sleep through the game? Will Chris and Ashir actually play? Will Tad follow in the footsteps of his other leagues and start a fight? Will the Stone-Wonders score a spousal-assist? Will Joel rally the team to shoot hoops during halftime? Will Tegan’s facial piercings get ripped out as she blocks more shots with her face? Come watch the game and find out!
To be fair, I have never started a fight. Bring on the playoffs!