ONE PLAYER’S DREAM

 

It was the first post season game for the 2005 Clarion-Goldfield High School Boys Basketball Team.  They were decidedly ahead and it was time to send in the reserves, the bench warmers, the fellows who work hard day in and day out with little reward except perhaps the satisfaction of improving one's own performance and those of the rest of the team.  It was a requirement to be at every practice, every game, be part of the team, yet receive little notice.  Well, usually . . . 

 

Levi was a senior, a devoted member of the basketball team, and a reserve player.  In four years of high school, he had missed only two practices; he was a faithful team player.  A few weeks before, as part of an ongoing series in the local newspaper in which several high school seniors’ profiles were highlighted, we were let in on Levi’s dream:  to make a three-point shot during a game.  Surely it was an improbable dream for a bench warmer seeing little time on the court. 

 

Coach put in the senior reserve for his final home-court action near the end of the game.  At one point Levi had a shot, but passed off to a teammate.  Coach called a time out, clearly telling Levi, "Shoot!” and moments later, swoosh!  Three points!! And the fans went wild!!!! 

 

Levi’s dream was fulfilled.  He was faithful to his commitment to the team and received a grand reward for all his hard work and dedication. 

 

I wonder if there were times when Levi wanted to throw in the towel and quit.  Nobody would have blamed or criticized him.  After all, he didn’t get to play much, right?   But he didn’t quit.  He stayed.  He persevered.  The spectators packing the gymnasium that night witnessed character in action.

 

Thank you, Levi.