The early agenda went according to formula, as successive groups of athletes (a total of 70 on the team) paraded in front of camera-clicking parents to receive their varsity or JV letters.
When the program shifted to announcing the Most Improved and Most Valuable Player and Red Devil awards, a different spirit entered the room. These young athletes clearly like and respect one another, and demonstrated genuine pride in each other's accomplishments. Not a sour grape in the place. What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, is not a group of individual achievers, but a real team. A bit of a rarity in this day and age.
When the team captains and managers took over the show, the reason for the uplifting atmosphere quickly became evident.
I have never seen such an outpouring of genuine love, respect, and gratitude for high school coaches as these young men and women repeatedly expressed for the two men who guided their season. I have never seen teenagers speak so articulately about lessons learned in leadership, sportsmanship, and winning spirit. I have never seen young men and women almost break down as they spoke from their hearts about the stunning impact that these men have had on their lives, by simply encouraging them to believe in themselves and to achieve their own potential.
To Mr. Garrido and Mr. Wagner, outstanding leaders in every respect, thank you for teaching our children the true meaning of sportsmanship and by extension, the true meaning of life.
-- A Grateful Parent
No comments:
Post a Comment