Last night our 7th Grade Boy's Basketball Team was reduced to 5 players, as 7 are now on AP. I couldn't be more proud of the 5 who reached the academic standard necessary to participate.
On a team where it has been difficult to find enough playing minutes to make both students and parents happy, last night there were more than enough.
We played a team that beat us handily at home a week or so ago. Last night we trailed 22-15 with 30 seconds to play in the first half in their gym.
We ran the clock down, got a great look at a three and hit it going into the locker down 4, 22-18.
Weariness proved evident in the 2nd half, affecting our defense and leading to one of our primary scorers fouling out (mid-way through the 3rd quarter). Obviously he was disappointed but I attempted to console him by sharing fouling out happens, especially when you are as fast and aggressive as he.
We ended up losing the game; but why I love coaching basketball is now looking each of us in the face. Sports can teach life lessons. Life skills learned from taking personal responsibility at a young age will more times than not impact one's future.
There is a difference between "influence" and "impact." An exception could have been made to allow students with a "C-" to play, though the standard set at the beginning of each season is a "C." Personally, I dare say, that "influence" would not have the long term impact that not being able to play will ... can have on these students, parents, classmates, teammates, faculty and staff.
One could feel the hurt and sting.
I am not dramatizing this incident.
I was "hired" to teach basketball and coach students. If a piece of leather filled with air can teach people how to prepare and live life, let it be.
We are the Bulldogs!
