I just sat through the first scrimmage of our girls softball team for this season and boy was it cold! So, after coaching track and going on a run with my husband, the weather seemed tolerable enough – oh no — no, no. The lack of clothing on my body and the failure to stretch after my run, and the (what felt like) 20 degree drop – not a good combo – I have some tight muscles!
Anyway, I enjoy going to the sporting events of my students. I try so hard so go at least once every season to every sport. My goal is 2-3, but sometimes I just cannot make that happen.
As I looked at the softball team tonight I realized I either currently teach or have taught every girl on the team, by far the highest volume of students of any sport. And, although my fingers maintain little feeling still as I type this post – my pride for these girls knows no bounds. Although I left after 2 hours and they still had more game to play, at one point they were down zero to 7. They fought their way back to an 11-7 lead. Nothing makes me more certain that I am in the right place when I see young folks rise above and conquer. It had nothing to do with me – I was merely a spectator. But, boy it felt good to see them fight and find that success.
I do not know at this time if they won the game, but they definitely won my heart (too much?). Well it’s true – and I know that I am a big sap! If you get a chance to attend a sporting event at a local high school I encourage you to take it. These kids work tirelessly at their sport. We often hear comments like “this generation is so lazy”, “these kids are so entitled”, “no one wants to work for anything anymore”. But these kids go to school all day, maintain their grades with homework (sometimes hours), and practice every single day for 2 hours after school – not to mention friends, jobs and chores. And yes, I put friends on the list because, let’s face it, relationships of all kinds are work. These kids work hard. These kids have drive. I was so tired after work today…but then I just remembered how tired my students must be, too – and so I go and sit in the cold. Way to go girls!
***update – I wrote this a few days ago – the girls won the game. I have since been to a few more games and they continue to thrive! Go Canes!
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