Fathers

Thursday, Friday and Saturday I was blessed (?) to be able to attend two baseball games, a regional wrestling tournament, a women's basketball game and a men's basketball game. I am tired, and all I did was sit and watch (as well as drive 1,500 miles)!
I am always impressed with the dedication of families to support their kids. It is not unusual to see parents who have come from as far away as New York or California to watch their kids play either home or away. Two situations especially impacted me as I watched some Dads, usually stoic and in control, as they expressed pride in their sons.

At one of the baseball games on Thursday a Dad was there to watch his son. The son doesn't always start, but Dad is usually there anyway. This game his son hit a home run! I turned to congratulate the dad, who luckily was filming at the time. I noticed his eyes were a bit moist and I asked if this was his first college home run. He choked a bit and said, his first home run--ever. What a moment to share with your son.

At the wrestling meet our most successful wrestler won his division. His father, obviously proud, came up and thanked me for what York College has done for his son. The son is adopted and has some learning issues. Dad indicated that YC has made the difference in his son's life because people care about him and go out of their way to help him learn. I remember this Mom and Dad from parent orientation a couple years ago and how engaged they were and concerned about his future. Honestly, I think Mom and Dad made the difference, we were just able to help.

Unrelatedly, the man who schedules basketball officials for our conference came to meet me before the men's game yesterday. He said he was impressed with our program and the maturity and character of our players. It is heartening to hear others say that about our coaches and teams. The lives of the young men and women who play here will be judged throughout their lives on their character much more than the fleeting pride in a won-loss record.
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Go Panthers!