That's a wrap, part I

Track season for my oldest daughter, a junior in high school, ended today.  She competed at the section finals in both shot put and discus but didn't advance out of the preliminary rounds in either event.  Didn't have her worst day of throwing, but when surrounded by 15 other section finalists in each event anything less than a personal best isn't gonna cut it.  But, a year ago she set a goal to be in this meet, and today she was in it.  So, great job, Eldest Offspring, I'm proud of you!

And with the end of her track and field season so, too, ends the sports portion of our 2017-18 school year.  These last nine months of athletic activities have been.......valuable.  Memories made.  Lessons learned.  Goals reached.  Failure endured.  Character traits honed.  Character traits revealed.  Preparation rewarded.  Skills sharpened.  Friendships discovered.  Tears shed.  Successes celebrated.

Volleyball, basketball, track and field, figure skating.  Playing, coaching, spectating.  Varsity, junior high, and elementary levels.  Hot gyms and cold mornings, field houses and civic centers.  Home games and long commutes.  Scrimmages, conference battles, section tourneys, and spring performances.  Bleachers, bleachers, and more bleachers.

Here's why sports matter:  A senior shot put thrower (Shot thrower?  Shot putter?  Throwing shotter?  I don't know the best label here.) from a neighboring town was in a different throwing group than my daughter.  Before and after each of my daughter's throws Neighbor Girl was right there by my daughter's side, offering encouragement and even some technique tips that helped Daughter throw a little better on her final toss.  Neighbor Girl then took her turns and threw poorly, by her standards.  A senior, she came into today with high hopes of making the final round of throws after a terrific showing at sub-sections last week.  She was visibly devastated after she failed to do so.  Daughter offered a hug and slightly different encouraging words than received.  So right there, in less than a half-hour, a compassionate and empathetic experience in two extremes - encouragement to others and sympathy for others.  From two kids.  Daughter, when you read this, you were part of a powerful moment today - I'm just as proud of you for that as I am for your throwing.

A range of experiences.  Varied opportunities.  Moments that matter.  Schools have them.  Sports abound with them.  For nine months my daughters have been in school and sports; they've gained plenty of knowledge from school, but they've acquired life from sports.  In a few short months we start a whole new year of acquisitions.  And I can't wait, because.....

I love sports seasons!