As we start the last volleyball game in the marathon tournament, 2 + hours late of course, all I can seem to think about is the look on all the coaches' faces...the look of 'new potential'! The coaches have nice makeup, cute shoes and positive attitudes. That will change. One missed 'w' in the win column will surely dwindle their spirits as visions of 'Coach of the Year' and 'State Championships' slowly disappear. 'Star athletes' will emerge and the future of the coach's staff position hangs precariously in the balance. Suddenly, the well put together outfits and time spent on hair and makeup becomes a thing of the past as more concern is placed on team mottos and bringing home victories becomes a blood thirsty desire. Parents, meanwhile, appear to enjoy the games and friendly bantering ensues...with one eye on the coach. I see one parent from the opposing team, from across the gym. He seems unconcerned with the game as he leans carelessly across three levels of bleachers. But if you watch closely, there is a wince, and then another. It becomes obvious who his daughter is. The one who keeps shanking the ball 10 feet behind her, clear into the lights. The dad looks at the daughter, the daughter looks at the coach, the coach looks at the official! All hands fly in the air! So, one begins to think, "what just happened?!?!?" Dad thinks the daughter hasn't been coached well and all the money spent on club sports and personal trainers wasted because they can't do what he paid them to do. The daughter, knows not to make eye contact with dad, because that would, in no uncertain terms, confirm her acknowledgment of wrong-doing. So, she turns to coach, as if to say, "How the HECK did THAT happen?!?!?!?" Coach, in a last-ditch effort, stares down the official as if to say, "Wasn't there a camera flash, or a new UIL rule that somehow makes this go away?!?!?" Then, coach scours the bench, looking for the hidden talent that has surely made the bus trip by accident...but no, no such talent emerges.
As the game ends, the losing team mopes to their huddle and provides a sad rendition of their 'fight' motto that was so proudly declared just an hour ago. The winning team, smiling big enough to show off every bracket in their braces, skip away with matching back packs bouncing in unison. The nets come down, the concessions window closes and parents accumulate as a end-of-game ritual begins, it is the dawn of a new year.
So, as we begin our 2012-13 school year, I hope that we all begin with high hopes and wind in our sails. Woodall's Law: Each new beginning has the potential to be epic.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
