I have been struggling with what to blog about. Some of my friends suggested stress free holidays, off-season at the beach, or chocolate. All good themes and I am sure I will use each as my goal is to post once a week here.
Yet today I witnessed something so special I need to share it. See today I attended the football banquet for my son’s team. He is a senior so this is the final banquet he will attend as a player. As his coach spoke about putting on the pads that last time and how being a part of this team will stay with each player forever, I started to consider the journey they took to get here.
The man speaking is my son’s third head coach in four years. He was officially hired five weeks prior to the start of the season. He knew the team as he had been an assistant for many years. Another assistant came back despite health problems. A third signed on and then two others. These five men stepped up to make sure the football program and the boy’s senior season did not disappear. (Thank you)
Many of the young men who stood up front held each other, along with the younger players, accountable for off-season workouts. They did their best to lift weights and hold unofficial practices, not knowing as it got closer to August if they would even have a season.
Theirs was a year of blind faith.
And through each obstacle they encountered, they overcame each challenge as a team. As they battled those who had dominated their team in the past, victory was always close. Their final record did not reflect the heart, soul, commitment, and struggle it took to get to this point.
In sports, especially football because the commitment is so huge, it is easy to stay motivated when the program is successful and the team piles up wins on a regular basis. The challenge is more difficult under changed circumstances. There is more courage, character, and spirit required then from ones whose glory comes easy. The strength this group possesses will take them far in life.
As each senior accepted their final varsity letter or pin, the pride they have at this moment will be with them forever.
L.M. Pampuro 