Sunday Gratitude – High School Sports
As many Owl readers have noted, I spend a lot of time on high school sports. Of course, much of the reason for it is because I have two high school athletes, and was myself a high school athlete (go New Canaan Rams!). The other reason for it is I find the dedication of the athletes, the support of their friends, and the joys and sorrows of game day just completely fascinating. I am, hopefully, a storyteller, and in every practice and every game, and every athlete there is a story.
This week the drama of game day was in playoffs for hockey, boys and girls. A boys team that hadn’t been in the playoffs since 2015, squaring off against another small town to play a sport I will never understand, but can not help but be impressed by. I can barely skate around a pond much less backward, forwards, and chasing a tiny black non-ball right before being squished by someone 50 pounds heavier. The video shared on Twitter of the celebration at the end of the 6-4 win is simply joy itself. It is worth a view and smile at plexiglass in motion and skaters leaping to their fans.
The girls team did not find the same success in their playoff game, meeting the #4 ranked team. That senior season is cut short–eight Weston seniors were among the sad players coming home on the bus from Lynn. According to all reports, the bus ride started with tears. But then, eyes were wiped, and there were songs and laughter, and when that bus pulled into WHS at midnight, it disgorged athletes who could be nothing but proud of their season, their years of school sports, and friends they made along the way.
When I drove into the high school lot one afternoon a few days ago, a small knot of girls in warm running gear was setting watches and chatting before taking off at a good clip down the driveway. On the corner, I saw Coach Monz, omnipresent with his clipboard and maroon track jacket. It was the girls indoor track team members who have qualified for nationals which take place in New York next week–working out in 23 degrees because Weston doesn’t have an indoor track. A storybook season and the last one for Coach Monz as an indoor track coach.
Maybe I enjoy the high school sports so much because Cross Country in high school was so important to me–my coach a mentor, one of my teammates remains a close friend decades later, and I still run three or four days a week. Did I, as they say, “peak” in high school? Well, undoubtedly. I don’t think I could run a 5K at that speed anymore, even running from a bear. What is “peaking” anyway? And who cares? The memories are really really good.
My gratitude today is for high school sports, past and present. Go ‘cats…and Rams too!
There’s more to high school than sports. The kids who are achieving academic excellence or developing into talented musicians or serving their communities never seem to get mentioned in your blog. Why don’t you ever show “gratitude “ towards those kids?
My goodness, that seems a bit harsh. And a little inaccurate really. Some musicians were named here: https://westonowl.com/2022/02/03/mmea-all-state-musicians-announced-sixteen-are-wildcats/. I don’t have a musician at home but if anyone would like to send me info about their musician or something happening, I am all ears. Sadly the Owl is not omniscient. Maybe you missed my Sunday Gratitude on the Eagle Scout? That one is here: https://westonowl.com/2021/11/21/sunday-gratitude-generation-next/. Or maybe even the art work done by amazing high schoolers on the rail trail? Did you miss that one too? https://westonowl.com/2021/03/25/mass-central-rail-trail-murals-final-selection/ . I actively promote and attend many drama productions at the high school, including attending this one last night. I admit I didn’t understand it at all but I find our high school drama group pretty amazing : https://westonowl.com/2022/03/01/the-secret-in-the-wings-high-school-one-act-play-march-3-5/. Student-run mental health chapter? Here: https://westonowl.com/2021/03/03/active-minds-new-student-led-mental-health-chapter-at-high-school/. Gratitude to an entire class year? https://westonowl.com/2021/05/30/sunday-gratitude-the-class-of-2021/. Let me know what I’ve missed, and what the story is and maybe I’ll be able to cover it in between sports games. Thank you for your feedback, and as always feel free to scroll on by if you don’t enjoy a story or my highly personal Sunday gratitude.
Thank you Owl. That was a more comprehensive response than needed, so you are very gracious. You are doing a great public service but with an important distinction – this is your work, and you alone have the right to write whatever you want. “Readers” have the right to read whatever portions they choose, or to not read at all. It’s fascinating that there are those who either don’t know when they’ve crossed the line into counterproductive criticism or just don’t care, but they should probably seek their community connection elsewhere. Facebook is filled with other like-minded individuals.