champions

In 1983 my baby sister Diane's high school class b basketball team won the state championship. I still remember the excitement in my Dad's voice when he called my home in Mississippi to tell me. I was excited for them all and then I went back to sleep with a happy feeling, waking the next morning to continue raising my toddlers.
This weekend Diane's team was invited back to be honored at the girls basketball game. My brother Kerry is the coach for a very good team that took second in state last year. He set the weekend up with a banquet for the '83 team and had them, 2 coaches and all, walk forward before his game. As one of Kerry's players escorted them out a list of their accomplishments was to be read.
First, I must say that there is nothing that makes my family more excited than a basketball game. Nothing. I am not saying it is the most important thing in their lives. It is just the thing that gets the Sacry family most excited. The truth of that was shown last night when I was at the local theatre run by Kerry's family. I said to him, "Wasn't that a great night?!" And Kerry's reply was, "It was the 2nd best night of my life." "What was the first, your wedding?" (My innocent response.) He laughed, "No, when we took 2nd last year!" I am 100% sure he would choose his wife and kids over basketball if it were a life or death thing, but day to day...basketball wins out. His wife Karen is truly amazing in her love for him. When she called me that day to ask to borrow some cookie sheets she began her conversation, "I think I love your brother too much. He talked me into making supper for 50 people." Her tone was full of love and pride. I'm thankful.
I got to be involved because of the cookie sheets and because Diane and 2 of her 3 kids, Luke and Rebekah, came to spend part of their day with me. I'm thankful again.
I got to read and take a nap with Luke. Though it's not the best part of my life I really enjoy that. It was great to be with her and hear her excitement. Not so much to be honored but to see her friends and have a chance to be together.
According to my Dad, Diane was really the star of the team, even though Jeanne McNulty went on to be all American and play some pro ball. A little prejudice there. This weekend I understood what maybe Dad was trying to say. I sat in the stands with Luke and a little girl I was babysitting. I had a good spot to watch all the behind the scene things that happened. First, the night before, some of the '83 team were at the Friday night game. Sitting in front of them I heard Diane talk them into paying a dollar each to go out and try to win a pop by shooting a free throw to support the senior class. The others were reluctant but spurred on by Di's enthusiasm, they did so. Diane and her daughter, Rebekah, both made their shots.
On Saturday night the '83 team joined Kerry's team in the corner as they waited to enter. The '83 team got between the other girls and taught them the little chat/dance they did before entering the court. Then they did Kerry's team's chant/dance with them. They did some other things, including having Jeanne spin the ball on her finger. There was so much laughter and fun. When they were announced and the list of accomplishments were read (written by the individuals themselves) it was impressive. I think all of the girls had graduated from college. Several had run marathons, 4 nurses, I can't remember all of their acclaim but you could tell they were sharp. I wondered as I listened how much being a part of a championship team had influenced their living like champions. Or, maybe they just were champions, people who gave to life rather than taking away. Most of them were the babies of their families with parents who supported them 100%.
When it was time for the head coach to be announced the whole team came back off the floor and escorted him out. I knew it was a touching moment for him. Something he could live on for another 16 years or so.
Watching the teams I couldn't help but be proud of Diane. She was the leader, confident, directional, sure of what was important. A number of the ladies, including Diane, said their highest accomplishment was their children.
I couldn't figure out why exactly, but I sat in the stands and cried happy tears.
I had never been able to see Diane play ball. I had other priorities at the time. So I'm thankful I had a chance to see what made her and her team champions. Playing together in the way they did created for them a very special bond that made them glad to be together 16 years later and maybe again sometime.
Their head coach said he got talked into coaching that year. He tried to coach after that and was unsuccessful - said this team had spoiled him. I thought about how much like life that is. An opportunity presents itself. If we say yes we might get to be a part of a championship moment. If we say, "NO." Well, life goes on...
What makes a champion? Good people to support you; confidence; thinking of others more than yourself; giving instead of taking; perspective; hard work and a little luck. Congratulations Di! Thanks for making me proud!