After spending the last several months outdoors comfortably covering the athletic achievements that make our sports site hum along, I now find myself darting from car to gym as the winter sports season is well underway and thankfully in a heated environment. There is always a bit of an adjustment for sports writers who make the switch from outdoor stadiums to indoor arenas as the roar of the crowd indoors is acutely more concentrated leaving your ears ringing at times but the excitement and atmosphere is always welcomed.

At a recent game I attended, I spent a little time taking it all in and readjusting my bearings for what is sure to be another fantastic winter prep season. Our area teams this year are literally among the best in the state and there will is no doubt much to write about. Settling into my spot on the floor I was treated to a great game and as it came to its conclusion time became a mad rush to get the interviews needed and record reactions from the outcome.

Walking to the parking lot with post game interviews in hand and a story in my head I needed to get on paper, I passed by a player waiting for what appeared to be a ride home. I said to the player as I walked past "good game kid" and the player responded with "not for me Rooster I didn't play" as if the outcome had nothing to do with this specific player. I remember smiling and saying something like "Don't worry, you'll get your chance." and continued on to my car in a rush to get the story out of my head and onto paper. As I sat down to write that evening, all I could really think about was that kid standing in the parking lot disappointed and trying to shield a slight look of embarrassment.

Perhaps I should have stopped for a moment and took time to offer advice but in my typically post game rush to a computer, I failed to recognize an opportunity to offer a word of encouragement. I cannot let that opportunity slip by twice. Here is what I should have taken the time to say;

Being on a team requires dedication to a collective goal and a complete absence of self. The last on the bench is as important as the best in the state and if successful, both will reach the same destination at seasons end as part of a team. Every player is worth the same in the big scheme of things and every player contributes either positively or negatively to a season. Don't get down on yourself or the team based on play time in a game. Do your best to contribute how you can. Be the best practice player to make the starters better, cheer and encourage your teammates in the huddle and above all practice like your a starter. You never know when you will be called on, are you truly ready or have you stopped listening in favor of a good pout? Don't make a decision you will one day regret.

I have personally known thousands of players in a multitude of sports and only a small few come to mind that ever collected a paycheck playing the sport later in life. Most now contribute to new teams in life like corporate giants, small enterprising businesses, households, mentorships and military service. The lessons you learn today of being a good teammate regardless of playing time will pay off ten years from now. I wonder if in a decade anyone will remember the score of today's game? I think you will find that while the score may not last, the lessons will for a lifetime. I envy anyone who has a chance to wear their school colors today regardless of order. These are great days, don't simply survive them...live them!

Now go back tomorrow and be the player you aspire to be.