If you’re a basketball geek like me, March is our month. I was able to get through the Big East Tourney as a Creighton Bluejays fan in exile (UConn is a mere hour’s drive away from my front door) but came away saddened by their loss to the St. John’s Red Storm. While watching real-time results of that ill-fated championship game, I eagerly awaited our Boys’ Basketball Team’s face-off in their D-I tourney.
Sadly, our Team didn’t bring home the win. It was beyond difficult to see them hold back tears (some, unsuccessfully) and even more so to try to comfort them with hugs. Let me say that this crew, as are so many of the other athletes in our school, are warriors. We are a small school that has been blessed with talent on the courts, in the pools, and on the fields. This crew…well…they are just different. I don’t think I’ve ever seen members of a basketball team with such balance. When I speak of balance, I am simply referring to the fact that they take care of business (big time) on the court but manage to just be good humans in and around the hallways and classrooms. If I didn’t know what their jersey numbers were from watching them battle their opponents, I wouldn’t know they were such gifted athletes who were following in the footsteps of others who left their mark on our school’s history while wearing the Red and Grey.
I marvel at how they do not bring their court/courtside personas with them as they go about their days. Their names are on the lips of others and their stats are well known throughout our little state. As a fan of the sport and of this team, I am just so grateful for the chance to have been in their orbit. This year, I have had multiple opportunities to just chat with the senior players about life (and basketball), discuss their plans after commencement, and even just laugh about “school stuff.”
This post is just a way of saying, “I see you and truly appreciate you” for all that you are to Amyre, Amare, Sae’, and Tyler. You and your teammates have honored our school community with your talents. Onward, gentlemen. Onward.
Now, on to Selection Sunday and Monday…and the 3rd marking period!
peace,
Nan
NotesByNan 