Luke and Marlina went to pick up his uniform and helmet. Luke chose #1 after Cam Newton (his favorite football player at the moment). When he got home, he put the uniform on and we went outside to throw some passes and to "try it out." He ran a few routes and caught a few balls. I made him drop and give me some pushups; basically anything to try and get him used to the uniform. And thats when it hit me. I pulled him aside and said to him, "Luke, I almost forgot one thing. Up to this point in your athletic life, in basketball, t-ball, tae-kwon-do, baseball, etc, all of your coaches and parents and friends and relatives have told you that you were awesome and that if you just try hard and do your best, you will succeed. Football coaches are a different breed, a different style. They yell. They scream. They tell you to try harder, that you are not doing enough. They bully you. But in the end, if they are good coaches, they will get the best out of you. It isn't personal, they do it to everyone. I just want you to be prepared." "Ok Dad, whatever", is the response I got.
After the first few days, when it was 100 plus degrees, I could tell he was having a bit of a hard time. But the little guy persevered. He got hit and started to cry. He popped back up and got in line. He got to play multiple positions and learn an awful lot about football. He made it through his first football training camp.
Opening day came with nervous excitement. He was ready. He is the starting right offensive guard and he plays on all special teams. Most of the other boys on the team have played football for one or two years already, so Luke starting has a nice ring to it. Katie was not as excited as Luke
On to the next games. In case any of you need us for the next three months, we will be at youth football/cheerleading. Go Sharks/Mermaids!
