HS Teams and Dreams

The coach calls me at home. Mrs. _________, I need to talk to you about Buster (not his name but easier that always referring to him as son). He is having a really difficult time with practices. He doesn't run well and is often in tears because the work outs are so tough.

I say, Well, Coach, he decided to join the team. We were as surprised as you but I will support his decision. If you don't want him, then you tell him so; but, I'm not going to pull him.

We both agree to just wait it out, he won't possibly hang in there much longer.
He stays, and he plays; but only because there are 13 kids on the team and they use all of the bodies they have.

Buster had the desire!

Kids can be cruel to each other. We've all seen it. But team mates hang in together - at least if they have good coaches who discourage bullies. I used to go pick him up from practice. The last thing was a run and all of the guys would be heading back to the locker room. Buster was always dead last, way behind, holding everybody up. Those great guys would stand outside cheering him on. Mom would sit in her van with tears streaming down her face; but be all pulled together by the time he got in the car.

Buster has been called brilliant by his Philosophy professors. He came from a strong family unit, had friends, was loved my many and was known to have a bit of an ego about his intelligence. One would think that he didn't need sports to help his self-esteem. Well, one would be wrong. He has never worked as hard for anything or been as proud of anything as what he did in that football helmet. I am a believer now when I'm told that sometimes sports are as important to the student as books.

I knew that there were goal posts. That the idea was that you had four tries to move the ball 10 yards and eventually to the posts. But otherwise the game was all about visiting with friends, wearing the right gear, hot dogs and popcorn, and thinking the little cheerleaders were cute.

THEN I got a player. I know a punt from a drop kick and that hang time is important with a punt. I know about interceptions, and laterals, and offsides. I know the difference between a lineman, a receiver and quarterback. AND, I know the most important thing - PAY ATTENTION WHEN YOUR KID IS ON THE FIELD.

Be careful what you say! Their dad may be sitting right next to you.

For example:
Spectator #1: Aw! Man, that Smith kid was offsides! Crap now we have a penalty. Why the hell do they let him play.

Spectator #2: Well, that's the same kid who held the line so they could score that last touch down. MY KID!!!! Says, Buster's dad.

OMG - Sports Moms!!
First, you must have the proper attire. Ours was red and black with a big H.
Second, a cowbell or other noise maker is essential.
Third, every kid out there is yours. Period. They get hurt, you get scared.
Fourth, you get to make a big poster and ride on a float in the homecoming parade.

Never, ever, ever does the mom go onto the field for a downed player. Dad can go if motioned over by a coach.
I was told, "Mom, even if my head is rolling away from my body, promise me you will not go onto the field. You can attach it at the hospital".
This was a period, end of discussion moment.
Luckily, Buster's head was never separated from his body.

I'm sure there are thousands of other stories out there like this, but this is the only one I know about.

Every year there is a Sports Achievement Night. They give the letters and awards to those who have earned them. Buster had always received the academic athlete one for players with high GPAs. His senior year, last awards night; he won't be receiving any as he was not the best at anything. At some point his Jr. High coach approaches the mike and starts talking, and telling this story about this young kid who couldn't run, but came back; who had never been hit, but went down and got back up; who learned to be tough and earned the respect of the players and the coaches - he pointed to Buster, who calmly sat there during a standing ovation and few dry eyes.

this is not really about football, or "Buster", or moms. It is about kids and their passions. It is about not only letting, but encouraging your kids to go for it. Yes, it's time consuming, at times inconvenient and expensive. But completely worth it. Whether its any of those ___ball sports, cheer leading, swimming, dancing, pottery, whatever; if your kid wants it badly enough to work and fight for it; then you have to want it for them.