Being a part of a team is a lot like being a part of a big family. Because with teams come teammates, coaches, referees, and fans. And the families of teammates, coaches, referees, and fans.
With teams there is the discipline and the grueling daily work on practice days. And then there is the hype and excitement on game day. One thing that always comes to my mind on game days is that players on both sides of the ball are more than just bodies with numbers on their backs. They are people with diverse personalities, diverse backgrounds, diverse strengths and weaknesses. But they all share a determination and a passion to play their sport. And that is the tie that binds.
It is such fun to watch a team develop and especially when you have the opportunity to get to know the individuals on the team. Over the years we have enjoyed a supporting role providing encouragement through orange slices, gatorades, cookies, rice krispy treats, sandwiches and more to teams of all types. When we look back, we think about the wins, the losses and the championships, but more than that we think about the people we have gotten to know that we may not have otherwise met. Lifetime bonds grow through the encouragement and the competition and the ups and downs of practices and games.
Now David has been a part of Wofford's football team for four years and Jay a part of Gardner-Webb's basketball team for just a few months. The calibre of young men on both of these teams shouldn't have amazed us. They are talented, dedicated, disciplined, intelligient and they are also a lot of fun to be around.
This past weekend we had one big football game and two pre-season basketball games. We started out the weekend at the GWU-UNC Charlotte basketball game and since it was the first game of the season I focused on putting names and faces together. GWU stunned UNC-C with an eight point win and it was a very good way to start off the season. I loved watching the interaction of the players and the intensity of the way they played.
Wofford and ASU played the big game at "The Rock". It was a gorgeous fall day in Boone and we had a variety of family and friends to see. Our friend Paul had told us to look for his group at the tailgate spot with the tallest flag and the loudest music. Well Boy Howdy! as Mama Crowder would say. Paul wasn't kidding and it was a good time dancing and socializing with a very spirited crowd. But it was our turn to be stunned by a tough loss. They just beat us pure and simple. Most everybody agreed that things couldn't have gone better for Appalachian or worse for Wofford. But we'll pull together and move on.
After the game, David IV stayed with us in Blowing Rock and it was fun to have a great dinner out with family and friends. Logistically we couldn't make the GWU basketball game against Mary Washington, but we kept up through text messaging and GWU won that one to make their season 2-0.
On Sunday, we arrived home about lunchtime and Jay invited some teammates over for supper. It was good to get to see these boys off the court and, like the Wofford boys, these guys can really enjoy some home cooking. We fixed tenderloin, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, homegrown corn, green beans, black eyed peas, salad, fruit, rolls and cornbread. Sister made Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies.
It's so fun to cook for hungry boys. And so fun to be a part of a team.
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