Proud Moments

Posted On September 17, 2008 | Filed Under Family

As a parent, there are a lot of times you are proud of the accomplishments of your children. Whether it be an A on a test, or that first job they get, or even the first tooth they let you pull out without crying. However, the most proud moments are those that are shared with the entire family.

It was 2007 and Steve had to win his match in the Michigan State Wrestling finals in order for his team, Allegan, to win the state championship. Along with Marilyn and Russell, we witnessed that accomplishment. It was a moment that not only Steve will remember the rest of his life, but it is something that his Brother, Mother and I will always remember.

If you want to get an idea how much pressure was on Steve, check out the video of that match.

Steve has a creative writing class in high school, and he wrote about that moment. I will let him finish.

Having aggravating flash backs from past years, I recall myself coming back to the present in a familiar setting. Gripping, close and to the point that decides it all I anticipate my turn in a nervous, annoyed state. As my teammates fall to the red arrowheads by unexpected decisions offers the enemy a hope for glory. Once again my teammate has lost; my turn was next; to win it for the team, I had to win. I’m not new to this kind of pressure since I have been here before and failed before. I rush to Coach Rose for last words of advice and all I got was a slap on the ass and a distinct “Get it done”. Coach Rose wasn’t much of a talker in these times, but Coach Simaz had quite the choice of words for those who have failed before me. I would not let that happen to me.

I was focused and ready to take on the challenge. I knew I did not have just any opponent; I had a very experienced and determined kid and I was prepared for a battle to the end. “Why does it have to come down to me? It’s too much pressure”. Coach Simaz pulled me aside and asked “Why not you? You’re the one we want; you’re the one we can count on”. These words fueled me as I stepped out onto the mat with energy that could fill the stadium. Prepared for anything; the lights are now on me.

Looking out into the roaring crowd I capture the excitement in the building. Bending over to strap on my green bands I got ready for the memorable match. My pulse races as I get in my stance and shake the kids hand from across me. My adrenaline pumping faster and faster; I hear the scream of the whistle. Not really remembering what happened on those three swift periods, yet what happened moments before the end.

Gripping my opponent hard and ruthless, I push him towards the edge of the mat as I thought it was my best shot at the victory. Leading two to one I know I am confident in the win, but I can’t stop now; not when I’m so close to what I’ve been working so hard for. The last push, the last breath, the last second, the final whistle. Glancing at the clock thinking is it true? Can it be? Well yes it was true and yes it just happened.

Starring down at my opponent from above I await the acceptance of victory. I threw my hand out to shake the kids sweaty, limp hand as my other hand was raised in victory by the referee. I lift both fists into the air as I see a flurry of the good ole orange and black tears of joy. As I turned around to those defeated arrowheads I see the sad tears or sorrow.

After shaking the hands of the opposing leaders I jolted to the now excited and enlightened Coach Rose and jumped into those beaten arms that have waited more than a decade for another dream to become the reality. After my encounter with Coach Rose I now faced Simaz who has just been wiping off his tears of victory. He wrapped me up and slammed me against the wall saying, “You did it, you did it! I knew you had it in you, I knew it!” After releasing me from his King Kong grip I made my way through my animated teammates to the back wall where my worn out cloths rested.

Today will be remembered as the day of firsts; the first State Championship in fifteen years, the first time I ever saw Coach Simaz shed a tear, and no one can forget the biggest accomplishment of all, the first time that Coach Rose has ever smiled.