by jphilo | Oct 30, 2015 | Out and About
This Fantastic Friday post is all about my favorite fall sport. Marching band. This post from October of 2011 pays homage to UNI Panther marching band and shows proper sympathy for the li’l ol’ football team that never gets to be the main attraction. At least not for me. How about you?
Feeling Sorry for the Football Players
Saturday, I went to Cedar Falls with my brother and his wife to watch the University of Northern Iowa marching band perform at the Uni-Dome. For some reason, two halves of a football game were scheduled on either side of their performance. Must have been a scheduling snafu somewhere.
Wasn’t it nice of the band to share their afternoon with the football team?
Not just share it, but agree to perform when the football players needed a little rest. Of course, that meant the team didn’t get to watch the main event. In fact, the marching band felt so sorry for the football players, they went onto the field and treated the team members to a song when they entered the stadium. Then, they lugged their instruments into the stands played some nifty ditties whenever there was a lull in the action. In my opinion, they could have played more often.
But what do I know about football games?
The halftime show was magnificent. We could see really well because, the people in front of us went to the concession stand or the bathrooms when halftime began. I guess nobody told them the band was the main attraction of the afternoon. Too bad, ‘cause they were the big losers. They missed a really unique show – half Star Wars, half Cabana music. Sounds strange, but it worked. Probably because my niece – she’s the blond right in front with the silver trumpet – was always in the right place at the right time. She was so good, they brought out a baton twirler and a precision flag and drum team to honor her efforts.
I am not making this up.
After wowing the crowd, the band considerately sat in the stands and watched the football game. They once again entertained the crowd when the opportunity arose. And, they played more songs after the game, not quitting until the crowd was out of the stadium. Unfortunately, the football players weren’t anywhere to be found. It made me feel kind of sorry for the football team. All afternoon at the Uni-Dome, and they weren’t allowed to enjoy the main event. Maybe that’s why everyone cheered when they won their little game.
The poor fellas need to feel good about something.
by jphilo | Oct 10, 2011 | Family
Saturday, I went to Cedar Falls with my brother and his wife to watch the University of Northern Iowa marching band perform at the Uni-Dome. For some reason, two halves of a football game were scheduled on either side of their performance. Must have been a scheduling snafu somewhere.
Wasn’t it nice of the band to share their afternoon with the football team?
Not just share it, but agree to perform when the football players needed a little rest. Of course, that meant the team didn’t get to watch the main event. In fact, the marching band felt so sorry for the football players, they went onto the field and treated the team members to a song when they entered the stadium. Then, they lugged their instruments into the stands played some nifty ditties whenever there was a lull in the action. In my opinion, they could have played more often.
But what do I know about football games?
The halftime show was magnificent. We could see really well because, the people in front of us went to the concession stand or the bathrooms when halftime began. I guess nobody told them the band was the main attraction of the afternoon. Too bad, ‘cause they were the big losers. They missed a really unique show – half Star Wars, half Cabana music. Sounds strange, but it worked. Probably because my niece – she’s the blond right in front with the silver trumpet – was always in the right place at the right time. She was so good, they brought out a baton twirler and a precision flag and drum team to honor her efforts.
I am not making this up.
After wowing the crowd, the band considerately sat in the stands and watched the football game. They once again entertained the crowd when the opportunity arose. And, they played more songs after the game, not quitting until the crowd was out of the stadium. Unfortunately, the football players weren’t anywhere to be found. It made me feel kind of sorry for the football team. All afternoon at the Uni-Dome, and they weren’t allowed to enjoy the main event. Maybe that’s why everyone cheered when they won their little game.
The poor fellas need to feel good about something.
by jphilo | Sep 22, 2011 | Different Dream, Encouragement, Spiritual Support
Fall is here. For children all over the country that means football season. Except for children with special needs. Unless those children have siblings like Noah Newport, brother of Evan who was born with a heart condition called Noonan’s Syndrome. In today’s post, guest blogger Scott Newport (also dad to Noah and Evan) relates a touching tale about his older son’s act of compassion toward his little brother who died just a few months later.
Every Play Matters
This past Saturday afternoon I was visiting Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan and spending time with a father. Bobby is from Ohio, and his newborn daughter, Mia, has been struggling with a serious heart condition for almost six months. While sitting by his daughter’s bed, we talked.
Between him administering meds through a tiny tube and listening to the annoying, beeping monitors, and changing diapers he talked about his younger days. As he paused for a moment and started to put his large hand to his chin, I said, “My son Noah is starting football practice on Monday. Did you ever play?”
Turning toward me as though I should know, he said, “I was the quarterback.” He then went on to reminisce. “Scott, I’ll never forget the time I was knocked silly on one play and had to sit out. At halftime we were behind and the coached asked if I was ready to go back in for another play. I still don’t remember that half but after the game I found out I had run over two hundred yards and we had won.”
Driving home I couldn’t help but think about Bobby and his family and how they are enduring this tough time in their life, one day at a time, one moment at a time. I thought, as soon as I get home I am going to tell Noah that when he starts football on Monday, every play matters. I am taking Every Play Matters as my mission statement for this year.
You see, I really believe the things we learn when we are young will last a lifetime. I have always loved our Royal Oak Chiefs football program. There is nothing like going to a practice and seeing over 100 kids from ages seven to fourteen scattered out on a field and the numerous committed coaches teaching. The team colors are red and yellow and have always been a symbol of a burning flame—for me, a seemingly inextinguishable fire.
Like Bobby, Noah and I spent months up at Mott hospital. We were there with Evan—my younger son and Noah’s little brother—when he was just a newborn. He also had a serious heart condition.
When Evan was seven, Noah asked the coach at the last practice of the season, “Coach, can Evan come in for one play?” After Noah signed to me I pushed Evan up to the scrimmage line and he got his chance, his one play. About a month after that, Evan died. During that cold winter, I spent many moments wondering if Noah would still be a Chief.
I love the Chiefs program and all it has done for our family. The team has taught Noah about commitment and me a little more about life and the challenges that come our way. I guess stories like the one about Bobby and his strength are nothing new to teams that already understand that every play matters.
Maybe I don’t even have to tell Noah. I’m guessing now he probably already knows.
When Has Every Play Matters Been Your Mission Statement?
Can you think of a time when Every Play Matters has been your mission statement? Scott would love to hear about it, so leave a comment if you like.
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by jphilo | Nov 17, 2010 | Different Dream, Encouragement, Spiritual Support
Sometimes, caring for your child with special needs means you can’t spend as much time with your other children as you wish. Guest blogger Scott Newport knows how you feel. He says, “With all the special needs Evan endured I occasionally found myself neglecting Noah. Penni always reminded me to take time with him too.” With that in mind, Scott shares this sweet story about Noah. Enjoy!
Never Give Up!
I have really come to love the excitement of a weekend football game here in Michigan. Our family has been involved with our community’s youth football program for the last six years. The Royal Oak Chiefs team has not only given our son Noah something in which he can be proud of, it has allowed our household to be part of a bigger family.
Since Noah will be attending Royal Oak high school in about three years, I thought I should check out their football program. Recently, I attended three home games.
Friday Night Lights
Entering the tall gates of the Raven’s stadium on a Friday night was a thrill. The September weather was perfect and the lighted entrance was overrun with fans of all ages. Before I made it over to the fence surrounding the grassy field, I could almost imagine Noah’s number being rattled from the loud speakers for a solo tackle, “Number thirty-nine on the tackle.”
Unfortunately the next thing I saw was the giant lit scoreboard at the far end of the field. Our team was losing. A few minutes later, the visiting team scored again.
Shocked and set back on my heels, I abruptly shouted to a man walking past on the sidelines. “Hey buddy, what’s going on? Is it coaching or a personnel thing?”
Ignoring my question, the middle-aged gentlemen wearing a black polo shirt glared at me and walked away.
As I glanced around I noticed other guys leaning on the fence. Obviously dads too, they gave me a look like, “Is this your first time here, buddy?”
By the third game, the scenario was the same as the first. The scoreboard was just a nightmare pulsing at me from the far end of the field. The only thing different was the cooler weather.
Pint-Sized Players
After witnessing a third loss, I corralled Noah and one of his other Chiefs buddies. It was easy to spot them under the stands because both had their brilliant red and yellow game jerseys on.
As we walked past the concession stand and through the gate, the boys challenged me to a footrace back to my Ford work van. I immediately got disoriented and couldn’t find the grass isle where I’d parked. Both boys had no problem and I had to concede the loss.
After our footrace back to the van, I couldn’t help but think back to the games Noah had played this year. With his season about three quarters over, they had only managed to get one win. But for some reason the losses didn’t seem to frustrate me. You see, Noah has made a huge improvement this year and has really become a leader. He plays on the offensive line and is the head-hunting middle line backer on defense.
Not only am I proud of him, I’m also proud of the whole team and the dedicated coaches. I don’t think one kid has dropped out and the roster is the biggest I have ever seen.
The Best Thing about the Game
Just last week, I went up to the head coach and before I could even say anything, he said, “I really don’t mind the losing, the most important thing is the kids learn something about life.”
After hearing his words, I decided the thing that excites me most about the Chiefs program is its dedication for excellence and commitment to our community. With weekly fundraisers at local businesses and the abundant turnout of rowdy fans on game days, the cohesiveness of the program flourishes. And, yes, there have been a couple of years where Noah’s squad has made it to the Super Bowl.
Well, I’m not sure about the Royal Oak Ravens program, but I hope when Noah gets there in three years it will be something we’re used to: The tradition of striving for excellence and community cohesiveness.
But maybe more than anything, the Raven program will have the same determination Noah and his team have. Just before his game on Sunday I asked my boy, “Noah, what is the best part of being a Chief?” Without hesitation he said, “Dad, the best part is that we never give up.”
He then started to chant the alternating Chief breakdown, “Breakdown! Chiefs! Breakdown! Chiefs! Offense! Block! Defense! Tackle……………”
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