Every once in a while something appears in your life that makes you wonder what you ever did before its existence. For our family, this "thing" has been basketball. Ron became an assistant coach for the West Bend East Varsity Boy's team this past November. As a former East player, this position renewed an energy that he had likely stifled for years. With his enthusiasm came a serious commitment of practice 2-3 hours day, six days a week. And of course, like most hobbies that ignite a passion, even his off-hours were often spent watching training tapes, contemplating plays, and building relationships with the boys and their parents by being faithful to practice, relieving tension with humor, and remaining encouraging during a tough season.
Auburn and Trey attended nearly as many practices and in addition had the privilege of accompanying the team on the bus to a variety of games. For a 7-year old boy, to be in the company of popular teenagers who aspire to succeed, be competitive, and have fun it was an amazing 5 months. Auburn would spend hours creating stenciled posters and lead the crowd in rallying the troops. The kids took their role seriously and realized the time they spent studying the game, supporting the players, and socializing with many parents, coaches, and teachers added a unique and valuable dimension to their lives.
Last night we attended a thrilling girls East Varsity game against Slinger. The young athletes on this team demonstrated mature composure to tie the game on a buzzer shot. Overtime was punctuated by huge emotional swings...a shot that would appear to seal the game would then be parlayed by another equally unexpected, athletic effort. Trey was sitting next to one of his favorite varsity players, whose sister was on the court. Auburn fervently admires Sam and was delighted to see her in the game often. Sam is a physical player, hustles constantly, and plays unselfishly to benefit the team. When there was a sudden shift in momentum you could ensure that Sam was driving the effort. Sam is likely one of the shortest on the team yet her dynamic energy and effort made her appear 6 feet tall. She took charges, somersaulted, and maintained a focused demeanor throughout the game. We noticed the composure, confidence and intensity of all the girls, whether they were winning or losing, remained absolutely consistent. Their game-face never wavered. Auburn's face was bright red as she held her "Go Sam" sign and screamed encouragement during the thrilling 4th period and overtime. In fact at the end of the game she confessed, "Mom, I was so nervous I chewed my entire pack of gum."
Perhaps I am more impressed by high school athletics because I was never a part of the scene during my own high school years. With the exception of swimming my high school years were about academics, student government, and working. The most organized league I would play would be through our church and I was certain I could even hear God groan when I came up to bat! My husband on the other hand comes from a family that emphasized athletics at every stage. Many of his greatest memories originate from competitive sports, divisional play-offs, and unexpected wins. The Slinger gym was full of families celebrating the abilities not only of the players but of the pep band, dance squads, senior athletes, and even large posters saluting their athletic trainer Kevin. I was truly astounded by the energy.
This morning we found ourselves at the Boys and Girls Club cheering for our own kids as they squared off against the opposing team from Holy Angels. Incidentally, the opposition was coached by Ron's best friend Kraig who together share many high school sports memories...and trust me, they share them often! Kraig's kids versus Ron's kids...I thought I would chew a whole pack of gum. They all played with intensity dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending. It was obvious to me the indelible mark the East athletes have unknowingly placed on Auburn and Trey. There was a sincere effort to do their best, work hard, scramble, hustle, stay cool, and be a team player. After the game we were beaming when the referee approached us to praise Auburn's fundamentals. He was surprised to hear it was her first season in organized ball. The five months spent listening, scrimmaging, observing video, and absorbing the wide-range of details involved in the sport have contributed tremendously to their basic play Saturday mornings. This positive and unique experience, to share the game of basketball at such a personal level, has already started to shape them in a way that I did not experience as a youth. Ron believes that the game of basketball is a sport that is most synonymous and complimentary to the game of life. It demands so much mentally and physically...for once I might agree with him.
If you are looking for an inexpensive, fun family activity the girls West Bend East regional play-off begins this Tuesday at the East Field House. Thanks for reading!
Auburn and Trey attended nearly as many practices and in addition had the privilege of accompanying the team on the bus to a variety of games. For a 7-year old boy, to be in the company of popular teenagers who aspire to succeed, be competitive, and have fun it was an amazing 5 months. Auburn would spend hours creating stenciled posters and lead the crowd in rallying the troops. The kids took their role seriously and realized the time they spent studying the game, supporting the players, and socializing with many parents, coaches, and teachers added a unique and valuable dimension to their lives.
Last night we attended a thrilling girls East Varsity game against Slinger. The young athletes on this team demonstrated mature composure to tie the game on a buzzer shot. Overtime was punctuated by huge emotional swings...a shot that would appear to seal the game would then be parlayed by another equally unexpected, athletic effort. Trey was sitting next to one of his favorite varsity players, whose sister was on the court. Auburn fervently admires Sam and was delighted to see her in the game often. Sam is a physical player, hustles constantly, and plays unselfishly to benefit the team. When there was a sudden shift in momentum you could ensure that Sam was driving the effort. Sam is likely one of the shortest on the team yet her dynamic energy and effort made her appear 6 feet tall. She took charges, somersaulted, and maintained a focused demeanor throughout the game. We noticed the composure, confidence and intensity of all the girls, whether they were winning or losing, remained absolutely consistent. Their game-face never wavered. Auburn's face was bright red as she held her "Go Sam" sign and screamed encouragement during the thrilling 4th period and overtime. In fact at the end of the game she confessed, "Mom, I was so nervous I chewed my entire pack of gum."
Perhaps I am more impressed by high school athletics because I was never a part of the scene during my own high school years. With the exception of swimming my high school years were about academics, student government, and working. The most organized league I would play would be through our church and I was certain I could even hear God groan when I came up to bat! My husband on the other hand comes from a family that emphasized athletics at every stage. Many of his greatest memories originate from competitive sports, divisional play-offs, and unexpected wins. The Slinger gym was full of families celebrating the abilities not only of the players but of the pep band, dance squads, senior athletes, and even large posters saluting their athletic trainer Kevin. I was truly astounded by the energy.
This morning we found ourselves at the Boys and Girls Club cheering for our own kids as they squared off against the opposing team from Holy Angels. Incidentally, the opposition was coached by Ron's best friend Kraig who together share many high school sports memories...and trust me, they share them often! Kraig's kids versus Ron's kids...I thought I would chew a whole pack of gum. They all played with intensity dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending. It was obvious to me the indelible mark the East athletes have unknowingly placed on Auburn and Trey. There was a sincere effort to do their best, work hard, scramble, hustle, stay cool, and be a team player. After the game we were beaming when the referee approached us to praise Auburn's fundamentals. He was surprised to hear it was her first season in organized ball. The five months spent listening, scrimmaging, observing video, and absorbing the wide-range of details involved in the sport have contributed tremendously to their basic play Saturday mornings. This positive and unique experience, to share the game of basketball at such a personal level, has already started to shape them in a way that I did not experience as a youth. Ron believes that the game of basketball is a sport that is most synonymous and complimentary to the game of life. It demands so much mentally and physically...for once I might agree with him.
If you are looking for an inexpensive, fun family activity the girls West Bend East regional play-off begins this Tuesday at the East Field House. Thanks for reading!
RSS Feed