I wanted to know. I needed to know. So what is one to do when the exact definition of a word is not on the tip of one's tongue in the 21st century? Yeah, I checked out Wikipedia.

I need the definition of "Jamboree".

Wikipedia, and many other online dictionary sites, confirmed what I already knew, that I didn't know the definition. A jamboree is simply, "a large gathering".

It seems the idea of gathering lots of high school athletes and surrounding them with lost of high school sports fans has matured from the simple football version, all the way to volleyball and softball. What's next; soccer, tennis, golf?

But I'm not complaining. If I were forced to vote yay or nay against said jamborees, I would proudly proclaim a resounding yay! I have always enjoyed the football jamborees I have attended, most for the added work they provided. But really, in football, volleyball and softball, they provide the same goal for players, coaches and fans.

It gives coaches a chance to evaluate athletes in semi-real play situations. It gives players and chance to compete against someone other than the kid that sits in front of them in History of Modern Technology class. And, for fans, it provides an opportunity to give MSHSAA more of their hard-earned money at the gate. Just kidding, it gives true fans, parents and boyfriends or girlfriends the first opportunity to get those competitive vibes in order before the season begins.

I like it. And I applaud those who finally saw that other sports besides football could get involved and benefit from jamboreeing, if that's even a real word.

But my favorite part of the jamborees is when they are over. That means it's time to get going with the meat and potatoes of the fall sports season. So, let's "gather in large groups" beginning this Friday at Branson for the football version, then we'll enjoy a trip to Cassville for softball and Carthage for volleyball. All with one real goal; get it over with and put on the real team jerseys!