Fenton Sports Continue to Impress

We grown-ups like to tell our children that involvement in sports involves more than just winning or losing.  We tell them that having fun, doing their best, and practicing good sportsmanship are more important than the score, yet many times they hear us on the sidelines yelling at them to run faster or try harder. 

Sometimes we get caught up in the moment and forget to practice what we preach.  Sometimes we even get ourselves kicked out of games for unruly behavior (not me, of course.)  Sometimes we simply make the sport all about us. Many kids get burned out or fed up with all the pressure by the time they reach high school. 

So when I see our local teams exhibiting exactly the types of qualities I want my kids to learn through sports, I feel compelled to share.  Three events in the past week alone make me proud to be a member of this community.

Last week’s Fenton vs. Linden boys' soccer game had a game-within-a-game at halftime. The stands, packed with cheering fans, watched as the Fenton and Linden players walked over from their benches to the spectator side of the field.  Forming two long lines, they made a human tunnel for the Tri-County AYSO VIPs (Very Important Players) to run through prior to beginning their half-time game, and stood by to help cheer for them as they played.  The VIPs played a great game, then ran off the field feeling like rock stars. It was a touching example of sportsmanship, compassion, and kindness.  I proudly watched, a little teary-eyed, knowing that every player on that field and every person watching witnessed caring in action.

Then last night we attended the second annual .  This student-driven benefit raised over $30,000 for the Wounded Warriors Project, and honored our veterans and current military.  Every aspect of this event was top-notch—the band, cheerleaders, boosters, sponsors, spectators, staff, and players worked countless hours and poured their hearts into making it a memorable experience.  We didn’t , but to me that doesn’t even matter.  We all end up winning just through their example.

I just returned from my middle school son’s cross country meet in Linden.  We’re new to this sport, so I’m just getting the hang of scoring and other procedures.  From what I can gather so far, it’s hundreds of kids running a few miles, working for both individual and team recognition. These kids run through challenging terrain in any weather, trying to beat their personal and team goals.  Typically, top teams receive a trophy.  But at this event, in lieu of trophies for the top teams, Linden instead let each team choose a local charity and will money in the team’s name—a brilliant idea.  Our boy’s team placed third, and chose Fenton Adopt-A-Pet as their designated charity.  I wondered if the boys might be disappointed that they wouldn’t receive a trophy for the display case.  They weren’t.  Trophies are nice, but ultimately just gather dust.  They ran for a cause and know the puppies and kittens appreciate the donation more.  

If these three examples are just a small taste of what our kids experience through Fenton sports, I’m in.  In the end, we all win.