Alumni Football Blog #4: The Goal Line
The goal line has been crossed, the Gatorade dumped on the victorious coach and the pads and uniforms returned.
My two-and-a-half month journey to the Fabens vs. Clint Alumni Football game ended with a resounding victory, as the Wildcats beat the Lions 22 to 7. But that victory means so very much more.
It means football, in Texas, on a seemingly timeless Friday night. Was it 1995? 1986? 2004? It made no difference.
It means that full-grown men from both towns (and many different schools), many who had thought that they would never again put pads on, did so, and did so successfully.
It also means that band members can play the National Anthem, Fight Song, School Song and several football night classics with out missing a beat, all while hyping up football players.
It means that cheerleaders can get a rowdy crowd ever rowdy-er with a well-practiced chant or two.
It also means that a husband can be a superstar in their wives’ eyes, and a dad can become an extraordinary superhero in the eyes of their adoring children.
It means that two communities can rally around their respective teams, come out on a chilly January night and relive Friday night memories one last time.
It also means that a 44-year-old can work out, eat right, and complete with other players half his age. At least for one night.
It means Goosebumps upon hearing the National Anthem drifting up through the cool, mid-winter air.
It means going down on one knee, giving thanks to the big man above for getting you (and your team) to the field in one piece, and asking him to allow all of you to come off the field in the same condition at the end of the game.
It also means quickly turning around during the game and scanning the crowd for friends and family members, before the coach sees you.
It is commemorative shirts and programs, hot dogs and nachos, homemade signs and shared blankets.
It is the feeling of being part of a team; while being completely scared that you’ll be the weak link that could cost your team the game.
It is the hits, the hugs, and handshakes as the clock runs down; knowing you’ve just done something crazy and special.
And I, my teammates, the fans and the band, and everyone else who was there will be talking about this game for a long time.
Thanks to my friends and family for putting up with this crazy post-44th birthday whim.
Thanks, as well to my coaches, who took this 44-year-old 7th grader and taught him the basics that allowed him not to make too much of a fool out of himself.
And finally, thanks to my teammates; it was an honor to simply be on the field will all of you.
Fabens Forever.
*****
To read alumni football blog #1 click here.
To read alumni football blog #2 click here.
To read alumni football blog #3 click here.
