Glory days. We all enjoy talking about the glory days — the way-we-used-to-do-it days. I revel in those recollections at times. We all do.
But changes come. We all must move on. We have to remember different people, different circumstances and different times determine the present glory days.
In the movie “Hoosiers,” which is based on a true story of a small Indiana high school’s run to the 1954 state basketball championship, the new basketball coach faced those way-we-used-to-do-its plus the star player — Jimmy Chitwood — wasn’t out at the start of practices. Chitwood was still not out when the team was introduced. The student body was calling his name, and Coach Norman Dale stepped up to the microphone.
“I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. These six individuals have made a choice to work, a choice to sacrifice, to put themselves on the line 23 nights for the next four months, to represent you, this high school. That kind of commitment and effort deserves and demands your respect. This is your team.”
Chitwood did join the team, but only if the new coach stayed.
The point is at the high school level the turn over of athletes and talent is continuous. The ebb and flow of communities brings about changes. Those young athletes — girls and boys — and the coaches work hard in practices and competitions to be successful.
No one wants to lose in athletic competitions. The reality of athletic competition is there will be a winner and a loser. Losing a competition is not a sign of being “a loser.” Sometimes all the effort you put forth is just not enough to counter the effort and talent of an opponent. You regroup, focus on improvement and move forward.
All Newton High teams for the fall have strong senior leaders, but a lot of younger players are stepping up into starting roles. They are learning. We see it on the football field, the volleyball court, the swimming pool and on the cross country course.
Thursday, Newton’s volleyball team won the Des Moines Christian tournament, posting three wins on the road to surpass the number of match victories the team had a year ago. After a 7-29 season, the Cardinals came back with most of the same players for the 2015 season. They are improving and making strides.
Newton’s cross country teams are fueled by youngsters this season. There are strong younger swimmers and divers making an impact for the Newton/Colfax-Mingo/Pella girls’ swim team.
The Cardinal football team is working with players who worked hard and waited in the wings for their opportunity to be starters. They are the starters this season. It’s taking some time to find the consistency the team needs on the field.
Embrace who they are and their glory days.
Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com