A GREAT RUN

The Greenhills Boys' Soccer team competed in the Finals of the State Championship last weekend. We lost 1-0 to Western Michigan Christian, but the real winners were all the parents who had the pleasure of watching their kids play this past season and the Grenhills boys who made a terrific playoff run.

This was Nicholas' last season with the team since he graduates next year, and he played an important role all season. He played multiple positions, including midfielder, winger, and most recently right back. He started nearly every game and made solid contributions to the Greenhills' team that made its deepest playoff run since 2019 when they lost in the State Championship game.

What I will miss most is not the quality of the soccer. Rather, I will miss watching Nicholas give his all for a collective effort to achieve something bigger than himself. Each year - and especially this year - Nicholas' team showed that spirit. Regardless of whether he was on the bench or playing 90 minutes, Nicholas always brought his best self and tried to lift the team as a cheerleader on the side or with his play on the field. 

Watching the boys play also provided a respite from the toxicity of the world. There are so few areas of life where the participants agree upon the rules in advance and accept defeat with grace and humility. Most sports - whether they be professional or amateur - are still that way, which is a refreshing antidote to our politics and many workplaces. Our boys were worthy winners during their amazing playoff run, but they were also graceful in defeat. We all have much to learn from them.

This is the first of many "last time" events with Nicholas before he graduates and heads off to college next year. That sensation sunk in when I headed across the field post-game to congratulate him and the team on an amazing run that had the entire behind them. I gave him a big hug and thought about how much joy watching him play soccer since age 5 had given me. I feel lucky to be his dad and to have a son that is so passionate about such a beautiful game. I feel lucky that we both discovered soccer at the same time and look forward to many more soccer memories together down the road.