Rivalry?

The beginning of basketball season usually coincides with rival games.  I have been to many rival basketball games including the Silver Creek vs. Henryville games, New Washington vs. Charlestown, Jeffersonville vs. New Albany, Southwestern (Hanover) vs. Madison, Austin vs. Scottsburg, Orleans vs. Paoli, and Eastern (Pekin) vs. Borden.  These are all games that when you mention "rival" most people from those areas mention the other school as one of their rivals if not the main rival on the basketball court.

What makes a rival?  Is it a 50/50 win vs. loss percentage?  Not really, many games including the Barr-Reeve vs. Loogootee game has a lopsided side winning more than the other (Barr-Reeve is one of the better 1A teams around and Loogootee has a decided advantage in wins over them, of course, Loogootee is also one of the better 1A teams in southern Indiana).

What makes a rival?  Is it the close proximity of the towns?  Probably.  Towns that are no further than 15 miles apart, and really the closer it seems, the more bitter the rivalry.  What causes that?  Town pride?  Pride in the basketball team?  Insecurity complex in one town vs. superiorty complex in another?  I read one time on one of those chain e-mails that living in a small town is when you think the town ten miles away is either poor and unintelligent or rich and snobby and really they are more like you than you believe.

Makes sense to me.  I have lived in/coached at New Washington when we played Charlestown; I have lived in/coached at Henryville when we played Silver Creek; I have lived in/coached at Borden when we played Eastern (Pekin) and many of the same thoughts, beliefs, and menality existed in all situations.  I have lived in Sellersburg and hear the things said about Henryville (both good and bad), I coached at Eastern when we played Borden and also heard similar things.  I have been on both sides of many rivalries either being with the team that often gets beaten and on the side that often wins.

It is interesting to me when towns, schools, teams have inferiority or superiorty complexes, I mean, we really are pretty similar in southern Indiana.  Yes, you will have some differences when a New Albany plays a Floyd Central ("city" vs. suburbs), but even there most of the people involved are similar to each other.

I don't know why I am writing this other than writing out some thoughts.  Because the hatred that spews back and forth during these games, both online and and live, is ridiculous.  However, there is a fine line because it is that anymosity that makes these types of games so fun to watch.  It is that anymosity that creates the energy that is well worth the price of admission.  But it is that anymosity that creates ugly scenarios that no one is proud of, no matter which side you are supporting.

FCA for 11/20/2012

This morning, Cody came in and shared his testimony.  He spoke about how bad things happened to him when he was younger and it made him angry and question his faith.  Then when confronted with situations that he perceived worse than his, he understood that he was blessed.

He used Jeremiah 29:11: " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." and Proverbs 2:5-6: "then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. ⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." What Cody explained from both scriptures is that he cannot begin to understand God's ways in all things, but that he gets his understanding from God, not about God. 

Students continue to share their lives both good and bad.  You cannot help but think that it is drawing them nearer to each other as well as strengthening their faith.

Rise by Shawn McDonald

Does it get any better than this?

Halftime Entertainment

(when youthful exuberance goes too far)

Is there anything more pure than the little kids who "play" at halftime at varsity basketball games?  Let's get past the whole "trying to make more money by getting people who rarely come" thing.  You are trying to generate a little money for the Athletic Department, but you are also trying to get younger players who may never come to a varsity game exposed to the environment.  Yes, the players get in free (usually the players are from a camp or youth team), but all family members must pay to get into the game.  Great idea on both sides.

Anyway, is there anything more pure?  I recently watched detached as little girls played at halftime of the Silver Creek and Henryville girls' game and then watch my daughter, Madison, get to do it for the first time four days later and it was nice.  I have done it as a coach and experienced it before in the stands, but there is something innocent about it.  The kids are running up and down for the pure joy of playing basketball.  They aren't trying to impress their friends, their boyfriends or girlfriends, their parents, college scouts, coaches, they are just playing the game.  Even the crowd has zero agenda when it comes to playing time or shots taken.  All family members are just so happy that their child is running up and down the court in front of others being a kid.

And what about when a child does make a shot?  Usually, after many throws, launches, or hopefully shots, one gets through the basket.  I remember that euphoric rush from a gym full of people cheering for you and the slow motion that ensues for a few seconds.  For the first time in your young life, you are getting applause for doing something from lots of people, most whom you don't even know.  It is funny to watch that child stop, look around, smile and sprint to the other end of the floor; talk about motivation to play defense!

When the horn goes off everyone cheers from both sides of the gym.  The youngsters have earned the respect of both schools and as they head to their loved ones, do you think their feet are touching the ground?  Probably, but much lighter, I am sure.  And what do the parents/loved ones do when they get to them?  They smile, kiss, and hug them.  There is no disappointment from mom and dad because they "lost", that they didn't play good defense, that they didn't score enough, that the coach was a moron, that they could have done better and should have.  There will be no game tape to go over by the parents, there will be no replaying the game at home over and over, but there will be ice cream, or stories told to others about playing in the big time the other night or better yet, how they scored on their "defender".

Did I say pure?  It depends on your definition of "pure", I guess.  If "pure" means something different to you, what I just described may be the complete opposite of pure; and how unfortunate that is.

View from the Bleachers

As the boys' basketball season is to begin next week, I have noticed some different things about how I feel.  I have been able to attend many practices all ready, but do not feel the need to help. I had grown weary of practice the last two seasons, and I don't miss it.  Games might be a different matter.  That is where the competition is and I still appreciate the joy of victory, just not caring so much for the agony of defeat.

I am getting excited for the season to begin.  Excited to see the team I coached for the last 7 years to begin their season without me at the helm.  Excited to watch other games that I haven't been able to do for many years.  Exicted to call some games for WBIS and to continue writing my weekly column.  Excited to be asked for help and advice by coaches as I have nothing but the best intentions for their successes. Finally, excited to spend so much more time with my wife and kids.

I pray that I continue to be positive in all circumstances this winter, but it could be hard at times.  If you want to complain about a coach, stay away from me, I am a coaches advocate and you just might end up in my next article.  Good luck to all teams as the girls season keeps going and the boys get started, I cannot wait to watch more practices this winter of so many coaches who I respect. 

Stuff Christians Like

Want to change the world in 3.2 seconds?  Love reading this website by Jon Acuff and really liked this article on his blog.  It really is that easy most times.  You may never see the results of your reaching out, but it isn't about me...or you.