Football Is Life by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 2, Issue 5 April 23, 2003 There is so much more to being on a successful team than just winning games. Obviously a teams win/loss record is the bottom line, but what makes up a team and keeps that team together is not just athletic ability on the field. It’s hard to believe that this football journey for me began almost exactly one year ago. I never imagined how much I would come to rely on my teammates both on, but more importantly off, the field. For a number of reasons I was having a really bad week last week. I have always tried to keep my life outside of football off the field. Practice has always been a safe haven for me; a place where no matter what else is going on in my life I can go out there, forget everything else and just have fun. I also am a very private person in that I try not to let on when something is bothering me; I hate the feeling of vulnerability. Little did I realize just how much I have allowed myself to open up to the Sirens, nor was I aware just how well the Sirens know me. I did not say anything that indicated something was bothering me yet several players and coaches came up to me, hugged me and asked if everything was ok. They said it was in the way I was acting and the looks on my face; they knew something was not right. That is a real family; they just know you and are there for you. I saw someone a few days ago wearing a t-shirt that said “Football is Life.” I’ve seen this shirt many times before with different sports stated on it but never really thought anything about it. The more I analyzed that simple statement the more sense it made. You are constantly getting hit from every angle and often you don’t see it coming. Every now and then you get knocked down but most of the time there is someone there to help you back onto your feet. Once in a while you must get back on your feet all by yourself but there is never a time when others that support you aren’t close by to pat you on the back and encourage you to keep going. Everyone has a different role to play yet common goals to achieve. Some people don’t play fair. No matter how hard you work things do not always go the way you hoped they would or think they should. Everyone makes mistakes once in a while. Adversity is constantly an obstacle to overcome. At the end of the game, no matter what the outcome may be, be proud that you chose to participate. Where would I be today if I had chosen not to join the Sirens team? I would probably still have the same job, still live in the same place, still have a daily routine. I may not even realize that something is missing in my life. To look back now however, I can’t imagine life without the Sirens. Perspectives Archives