Personal Narrative: The Football Team

Station Camp was five yards from the end zone when our defense flattened the running back, sending the football to the hands of the tackler. Our defense scored on that play to win the game 26-20 in overtime. The tumultuous crowd became so loud, we couldn't hear each other on the field; but truthfully, we did not need to speak. Who we were spoke so loudly that we did not need to hear each other. Numerous predictions claimed we should have lost that game alongside our already fearful fans. After losing nineteen talented starters in the class above us, an immense void was left to fill by few seniors. So why did we keep playing? The answer is that the visceral integrity ingrained within us would never allow us cease believing in ourselves and let adversity control the outcome of the game.
The football team was always my second family. Being one of four players chosen to play varsity before junior year, I was able to sit in on varsity meetings. During one of those meetings, my coach and mentor explained, "Sometimes, there
On and off the field, I knew my role was to lead our class and team. From the weight room to the track, and even in the classroom, I lead by example and empowered others on a journey unique to each person. Teaching freshman, and staying after practice to help those that needed it, helped me realize the uttermost selfish thing we can do is believe our actions only affect ourselves. Everything we do affects someone else for the better or for the worse. There is no other environment that lends the same leadership opportunities and experiences than that of a football. I can truly say that without playing football in high school, I would not have grown into the person I am today, nor possess the same intellectual characteristics. I am grateful for all experiences, whether seemingly beneficial or adverse, as it is the conglomerate of experiences that makes us who we