If you don’t know, I am on the basketball team here at
Wheaton. It’s funny because I always
knew I was going to play basketball here.
All three of my older siblings went to Wheaton and played basketball.
Both of my parents went to Wheaton. My Dad
played here and my Mom’s Dad coached the basketball team. So you can say that it runs in the family.
Even though it is something I have always known I would do, it hasn’t been
easy. My first two years here, I hardly touched the court. I was just a
practice player waiting till those ahead of me graduated so I could get my
chance. I still enjoyed those years and
getting to know my teammates. This year, however, was still extremely hard. I didn’t
play as much as I wanted to. I would come off the bench and get anywhere from two
to twenty minutes a game. It’s a hard position to be in; getting varying
minutes and believing you should be out there helping your team win. I really
struggled at times but I kept coming back to the conversations and lessons I
have had with my Dad. My Dad was my basketball coach in high school and has
always been a part of my basketball experience.
He taught me that the only thing he cares about was that I was
coachable, a good teammate, and played as hard as I could. Those three things I
can control. I can’t control how much I play. But I can control how I hard I
play, how I treat the coach and how I treat my teammates. I defiantly want to
be out on the court, but that shouldn’t stop me from rooting for my teammates as
hard as I can and doing whatever I can for the betterment of the team. My Dad went through a similar situation in
college and regrets not having the best attitude. He has taught me to keep a
positive attitude and not become hostile to my coach and teammates, which definitely
would not be Christ like. Thanks to my Dad, my basketball experience is much
better. I enjoy it even though it is really challenging. I love being part of a
team. Being part of a team is an amazing experience. It really grows you and
teaches you many life lessons. I am thankful for basketball and especially my
Dad who keeps me playing basketball the right way.
Zack,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your situation and for being open to telling us it's not been easy. I know that not getting much playing time is challenging but I commend you for ultimately having a positive attitude. Although it may be hard to see it now, you're learning lessons that will stick with you for life. There will be times in life, with your job, or with your family, that will not be easy and you simply have to find the positives and maintain a good attitude. It does seems like you understand that and that it wonderful life skill to have.
George
Zack,
ReplyDeleteAs your teammate (and friend) I have often been right alongside you on the bench. I know how tough it can be as well, and your attitude has encouraged me. Your energy and effort makes me practice and play harder myself.
-Mark