The morning after the end of your football season is one of the most difficult to face. The sun seems dimmer. The world, colder. There is an emptiness. The singularity of purpose that drove you for the last several months has suddenly been ripped away. This is loss.
Whether your season ends at Lucas Oil Stadium or on a brightly lit field somewhere else, it is a painful thing. There are no more film sessions, no workouts, no practice tomorrow. Finally, you can sleep in, but you quickly discover that you would rather be tired and groggy and sweating with your team. When did your warm bed become second place?
Westfield became intimately acquainted with second place last night, and the bittersweet success it represents. It was an emotional scene following the 5A State Final. Tears were shed and hugs exchanged between men that call each other "brothers." One gets the sense that there would have been tears even had the Rocks won. Going into the game, we knew that, no matter the outcome, this was the last time this wonderful family would play together. An end must come to all things.
This was not the end we wanted, nor the way we wanted to go out. There have been brighter spots throughout the season than were shown last night, but it was not for lack of effort or desire. Sometimes, no matter how prepared, and how hard you've worked, and how bad you want it... it is not meant to be. And, to give credit where credit is due, we played a very good football team. It would have taken a very special night for us to beat them. Last night was not such a night.
Yet, it was special, for many other reasons that will become easier to stomach with time and distance.Through the grief, we are reminded that God is still good. The journey was very worthy of the destination. The opportunity and experience was one to be remembered and treasured for years to come. Let's not forget that history was made. A community was energized. Differences were made in many lives, both local and global. And a legacy was left.
I hope when people reflect upon this team, they see in it a blueprint for a very "right" kind of success. Teamwork remains the world's very best competitive advantage. This is true not just on fields of sport, but in almost every area of life. There are many areas of talent that can be built and developed, but teamwork is both the most elusive and most effective, accessible by everyone. This truth, revealed slowly over hours, days, weeks, and months of dedication to a purpose, is neither secret nor unique . It can work for anyone in any situation. Come together, work your butt off, serve one another... and you will make a difference in the lives around you. Forge a team, and opportunity will shower you.
Many of us coaches have been a part of true teams before. Likely, it was that very experience that motivated us to dedicate a large part of our lives to chasing the dream again. It may only come once in a great many years. It is that special. It truly has the power to move mountains. To have found it again, with this team, is truly a blessing.
We are thankful to our community for supporting us so very well. Administrators, school, parents, fans, even neighbors. We have felt the love. The picture below was on Twitter with the tagline "You don't see this everyday in high school football." Very true, and we are filled with gratitude.
Most of all, I'd like to thank the players. We set out to make this journey one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Somewhere along the way, it became one of ours as well. And that makes second place just a little less painful.
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| Thank you for a great season! |
