Jeff, you're not a loser. I'm a huge sports nut too and it took me a while to feel comfortable not drinking while watching sporting events on TV. I played football in college and when fall comes around I get that "feeling" that I want to drink. It took me a long time to get over it, but I've learned to watch sports without the beer in my hand.
If you wrestled in college I think you've got the work ethic that it takes to get sober. It may take some time, but the rewards in the end will be awesome. Oh yeah, good to hear you got a new job and stop in from time to time to let us know how you're doing.