We went to a colleague’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction
ceremony Saturday. It was an eye opener. It clearly exposed the value of and
need for community in our lives that sports generate.
Craig Carson was honored at the 28th Annual
Liberty Union High School District Athletic Hall of Fame for his decades of
service to his community as a high school swim coach. Inducted with him were
several athletes, supporters and community members who each in their own fashion
helped make the high school sport experience one that had tremendous value for
a variety of reasons.
None of these athletes eventually became professional
players let alone Olympians. Yet each clearly discussed how much the process of
learning and playing, coaching and supporting high school sports meant then and
means now to them. We witnessed a few tears and lots of laughter and much
gratitude. It was an entirely energizing experience to witness.
There are many such Hall of Fame institutions, often
associated with schools and some with a variety of Associations and of course
the professional Halls. What struck us were at the local level the impact
sports and coaching had made. It reminded us that as swim coaches we still have
value to add to people’s lives regardless of how fast they swim. Watching the
festivities the other evening made us realize that in our sport times really
don’t matter all that much…sure they do at various points in time. However, in
our experience the real value comes from the team – the coaches and teammates
and supporters (usually parents).
We think that while the record boards we all keep have their
purpose perhaps an even better measure of our team’s growth and influence would
be a HOF. Some teams have been around for decades; there surely are HOF
candidates from those decades. When you recognize them you instantly give
credit to the process of your team’s value…
And make no mistake; humans love recognition; we thrive on
it. We treasure being a recognized member of our community.
Have a great day at the pool…a Hall of Fame Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment