Wildcat Alumni Reflections

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to play in an alumni basketball game at the high school I attended.  Initially I had mixed feelings about playing for various reasons, but in the end, I decided it would be a way to see some familiar faces and help raise money for the Dollars for Scholars program at the school.

 When I walked on the court it was a flood of memories...memories of PE class; band concerts; practices of track, volleyball, softball and basketball; attending basketball games there; teachers; friends; classmates; and yes, even old boyfriends.

 As the women started to warm up, I was quickly reminded of basketball practice, specifically.  All the drills; practicing full court presses; running, running, and more running; having to shoot and sink 25 free throws in a row before leaving practice; getting beat up in the post position; learning all the plays; etc.

 None of my own classmates played in the alumni womens game, but there were a handful of male classmates that made their way into the gym.  Men I hadn't seen in over ten to fifteen years.  Men that used to be boys who were now carrying little ones and wearing wedding bands and carrying "life" on their shoulders.  It occurred to me how what had once seemed so finite was just a season.  That these classmates of mine who I'd seen every day were now more mere acquaintances and that brought a certain sadness upon my heart.

 I was nervous taking the court.  Basketball was not my forte.  It was when I was starting out and the "tall one" on the team, but as I aged into high school, my body was still tall but not "muscular meaty" and I got beat up, so to speak.  Not much had changed in that department.  I got pushed around a lot this weekend, but it was all in good fun.  The highlight was playing 6 on 6.  Only a handful of us had played that magical game and had to explain it to the youngsters who had no clue what they were supposed to be doing including the high school senior boy referees!

 We shared a lot of laughs and I greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of the event.  It was equally enjoyable to return to the stands following our game to watch the men play.  My classmate Eric, has still got it.  He pleased the crowd with his signature dunk :)

So for me, it was more than an alumni basketball game.  It was a chance to remember, reminisce, and be thankful for where I came from and where I am today.  Go Wildcats!