It is Finished

Well, D's soccer boys played their last game of the season last night. In Nebraska, you have to play in a district tourneyment and win that to advance to state. D's boys played very flat the first half, but so did the team they were playing. The second half, they really kicked it up a notch and played excellent with good teamwork and lots of heart. The game ended up being tied 0-0 after two overtime periods so that means it goes into a shoot out where 5 players from each side get a penalty shot that only the goalie can try to block. D's first boy missed his shot; it bounced off the cross bar. It went downhill from there. But regardless, his boys played with a lot of heart and there were many good things in the game, namely the fact that they fought back and didn't quit.

D coaches a unique group of boys, a United Nations of a soccer team in many ways. There are many countries and languages represented on his team. We have middle class white kids and first generation immigrants and all sorts of people in between. Lots of kids who don't believe they have much potential, who often look like they don't care about much. But kids we love and care about. When D came, the boys had no camraderie with each other. When D came, lots of boys struggled with grades. When D came, the boys each played for themselves not for their team. Things aren't perfect now but I'm so proud of D and the changes he has helped bring about. The boys laugh with each other and share "inside jokes". Grades are still a huge issue but the attitude surrounding that is improving and many of the boys have benefited from an early morning study hall D instituted. The boys believe in each other and stand up for each other. I'll never forget a fight that happened with another team during indoor soccer; one of D's Hispanic guys got punched and one of his white players pushed back. My heart swelled with joy and then realized I probably shouldn't be quite so happy! The team work togethers much more now and has improved their passing and communication skills on the field. This season marked the winningest season in the history of the soccer program. So a big yeah for the coach and his boys! You're my favorite soccer team! **Also impressive...one of D's players was nominated for the Shrine Game. No other player from our school has ever been asked to play in the most prestigious high school all-star game in the state. Unfortunately, David broke his leg two games ago and won't be able to play but he can still attend the 3 day event. It's a big deal and we can't wait to go with David to the Shrine Game.