Camaraderie

Camaraderie: conviviality, bonhomie, brotherhood. By definition: comradeship; good-fellowship. If Saturday were any indication, I’d say that the gymnasium was filled with a brotherhood.

This past weekend, my nephew and his team did something few teams get a chance to do. They completed their second consecutive undefeated basketball season. Over the past couple of months, these young men have paid their dues with blood, sweat and tears, and I imagine, learned a few lessons in the game of life.

As a proud auntie and devoted fan, I could not be prouder of the boys. Watching them cultivate their on-court personalities and developing a true sense of teamwork, I was impressed with their charisma at the tender age of 13/14.

Ball handling skills have improved. Confidence has grown, persistently, week-to-week, with many boys easily qualifying for “most improved player”. Fundamentally speaking, if the boys continue to mature as players in this capacity, I would be shocked if there weren’t a half a dozen or more who play college ball.

Good, young talent combined with hard work and a true love of the game are the reasons I think this team has been so successful on the court.

In addition, and in my humble opinion, even more important than tallying up the scoreboard or analyzing statistics is the fact that most of the boys are all A and/or Honor Roll students. They’re the sort of boys that hug their moms and dads after the game-- high-five little brothers and sisters. They say “thank you” when you tell them “good game,” and they smile, humbly, but proudly when they recognize a job well done. These boys have impressed me with their sportsmanship—they are the first to jump up and help a teammate or opponent after a tumble on the court. They hustle after the ball when it heads out of bounds and gently hand it to a referee. They have learned early on, the excitement of a victory and certainly enjoy collecting ‘W’s’ instead of ‘L’s’… but they’re the first to say “Good job” to their opponents, pointing out the positives.

They are good boys. They are happy boys. I believe they deserve a countywide (and beyond) standing ovation on their poise over the past two seasons.

I look forward to the next chapter … seeing whom they all grow up to be.

Good kids

In the news lately, our ear holes have been ravaged by the despicable. Bullying. War. Political mayhem. If it’s not suicide bombers, it’s global warming. A small challenge I put out in front of myself every day and one I’d like to inspire you to consider involves paying attention to the day-to-day and not just the headlines. Reading between the latest post and Tweet, where perhaps, you will spot something other than the negative.
Today for example, I have a little glimmer to share that has the potential to be a sun-ray, over time. In contrast to the bullying theme of late, here’s a happy story about kids, sports, common courtesy, good sportsperson ship, and community.
Recently at a Wednesday night, Junior High Football game between the Frankfort Panthers and Suttons Bay Norseman (of note: the game was an important one--the Panthers had suffered one loss against cross county rival Benzie Central, and the Norseman were undefeated. With only a couple of games left in the season, the Panthers had opportunity to win and perhaps, tie for the championship). I observed not only good sportsperson ship, but the kind of good-natured sweetness, politeness and camaraderie that parents, coaches, and fans alike can all be proud of.
Swarming, sweating, competitive young men strategized, ran around, tackled each other; there were sacks on both sides of the field. The game was a close one from beginning to end, and extremely exciting for all the parents and fans in the bleachers. As the game progressed, and the seasoned players dazzled us with their speed and quickness; their fundamental skills at tackling low and effectively, we were all treated to much more than that. On more occasions than I could count, I saw opposing players helping each other up after tackles, smacking each other on the back or shoulder to connote a job well done. I saw care, concern, and heartfelt effort, on both sides of the field, there were some seemingly controversial penalties, there were some questionable moments pertaining to the clock, but what could have become ugly, violent, hurtful, and ultimately, negative, did not.
I applaud the young men from both Frankfort and Suttons Bay for caring so much and playing so hard. The final score did produce a ‘winner’ and a ‘loser’ but in my eyes, both teams and their coaches and fans should walk away proud to be a part of a positive example of the way we all should treat each other, each and every day, no matter what’s at stake.

This shot was taken by a Panther fan (and parent) at this game.