Collin, I Like to Watch You Play

Written on February 19, 2022

These comments were originally posted in the LPCA Varsity basketball GroupMe chat at the end of the 2021-2022 season.

I needed a few days to decompress after the season ended this week. You all normally get a bunch of numbers from me, but I wanted to share some words. I'll post in a few pieces and hope you'll indulge this senior dad. *sniffle*

To the boys...I enjoyed every moment of the season whether it was live or on film. Of all the plays I watched, two stand out as my favorite. The first was any time one of you made an AND-1 bucket and screamed, posed or flexed in the thrill of the moment. In those instances, you experienced a glimpse of what you are capable of and I encourage you to play with that intensity in everything you do. The second was any time one of you hit the floor and another boy came over to help them up. You don't win and lose individually. You don't defend the other team individually. You don't have much success on the court as individuals. You do all of those things better as a team. Always remember that.

To the parents...The boys may be on the basketball team, but it was special to be part of the basketball family with all of you. The multiple ways that you supported, cheered and consoled not just your own sons but each of the boys is what I'll always remember. Those of you who volunteered, videoed, scored and stat-ed for the team made everything run smoothly. I look forward to catching an NBA game on TV in the future and seeing both Donna Wilson and Tania Harrison working at the scorer's table! And there's no better hype man than Josh White...LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLEEEEE!

To Sam...It was a true honor to play Siskel to your Ebert in the video booth all season. (The boys won't get the reference, but Siskel and Ebert were well-known movie critics when all of us boomers were growing up.) I appreciate you getting the video as it made my stats job much easier on many occasions. And I enjoyed talking basketball strategy on and off camera. I'll miss doing that in an official capacity next year...oh who am I kidding, I'm sure I'll be back to yell for and/or at the boys next season!

To the coaches...Words don't adequately express how grateful I am to Coach Turner, Coach Clark, Coach Sanders and Coach Chevy. Some coaches win at ALL costs. Some coaches coddle so no one gets their feelings hurt. I appreciate how all of you found the right balance with the boys. You pushed when it was needed and encouraged when it made sense. Most importantly, you reminded the boys that basketball is a game but many of the lessons apply to life. I'm immediately thankful our sons called each of you coach. I'm eternally thankful that our sons can look to each of you as examples of good men.

And finally, to Collin...It's your senior year! I remember when we first started playing catch in the yard and shooting on a basket. You've always listened to your coaches, practiced your skills and done whatever was asked of you between the lines. As I texted the other night, I am beyond proud of the way you played all season. You were the definition of what a leader should be. I wish the wins and losses could have looked different, but you never wavered in your effort. You played every position you were asked; you took on the toughest defensive assignments, you created open shots for your teammates, you didn't back down from anyone on the floor and you never asked out of the game.

I read an article years ago that said the best thing any parent can say to their athlete is six words: I like to watch you play. That is the epitome of what I've felt for the last 10 years. I've heard it from several other parents too. Every time you step on the floor your play speaks for itself. It took a day after the last Northland game for everything to hit me and this dad shed a few tears. I was happy and sad at the same time for one main reason. I like to watch you play.