James came home a little disappointed after the first day of try outs. He felt that he messed up some of the drills. He also saw his competition and was intimidated by their success.
The second day of try outs was postponed due to rain and was rescheduled for another day. This try out was scrimmage play. Dad wanted to come and watch but got stuck on a business call. This worked out nicely for me since Jayson was still napping. I watched my boy give his best. He seemed really focused and giving a 110% effort. I too saw lots of boys with talent.
That was last Wednesday. The boys would go with the 5th grade on a field trip on Thursday, have Friday through Monday off of school (to sweat it out), and then be invited to a gathering on Tuesday. Each kid that tried out was invited to the quad for an icy treat and that was where the list of team members would be read aloud. Coach reminded the boys that most of them wouldn't make the cut and it would be a hard day for all of them. He gave them good advice to help them manage the situation.
This morning I had a little chat with James about being gracious. If he made the team, we all would be so happy and excited for him but there would be friends sitting around him that wouldn't receive the same news. If he didn't make the team, he could know that he tried his best. He'd have to find a way to be happy for his friends that get a spot on the team. You wouldn't want to blurt out and say anything that you'd regret later.
I didn't get to school early to meet James at the gates to receive the news. I met him at the curb where we loaded six kids into the car. I didn't get a good read on him (partly because I couldn't see him with all the other heads bobbing in the car) so once we weren't blocking traffic I looked at him and asked....
HE MADE THE TEAM!!!!!!
I'm SOOOOOOOOOO excited for him.
I remained really calm in the car - even teared up a little - trying to do my part to be gracious. But here on my personal blog I'm BEAMING WITH EXCITEMENT. I hope this will be a wonderful experience for him.
Congrats to James! Basketball blood must run in the genes. I'll never forget seeing your Dad at one of Bryan's b-ball games. He was beaming with every shot of the ball, and when Bryan made it (which he did a lot), your Dad stood up and high-fived the people in front, on either side, and behind him. So funny!
ReplyDeleteHave a fun season!
Way to go James I'm so proud of you. Play hard and listen to your coach. This will be a great chance for you. I wish I could be there to see every game. Make some short clips and blog them to us. Love you Grandpa O. PS stay under control MOM. I know its hard been there done that !!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is SO exciting! I can't believe they have try-outs so young! What a great learning experience, and looks like he'll keep on learning. How fun!
ReplyDeleteNow what happened after carpool today is clear to me. James hopped out of the car, throws down his backpack, and then runs to shoot hoops. Then some neighborhood kid walked up to him and I saw James grinning from ear to ear, shaking his head yes. Then the two boys started high fiving. It all makes perfect sense now.
ReplyDeleteGood job dude!
PS you are such a good Mom! and PSS I loved your lesson on Sunday.