Bret T
Honors English 11
Mrs. Conrad
13 January, 2008
Untold Lessons
I believe that every teenager that plays high school football is benefited. Not only are there physical benefits, but their character is changed. They are more self-confident, disciplined, and the ability to keep their head in tough situations is evident. These characteristics will serve them well in life. The opportunity to be a part of a group that is successful will inevitably build self-confidence. The mental discipline required to carry out assignments when faced with adversity comes from practice and desire to reach your goal. A player learns he cannot fall apart, loose focus, and he cannot falter in decision making.
Throughout my junior season, I witnessed and was part of the offensive line for Briarwood’s football team. We started out with only one member having ever started a varsity game. Everyone was questioning himself and wondering if he were prepared to carry out his assignments effectively. As part of the offensive I remember since of value that I had when I would make a key block or we moved the ball, and I know that my other linemen felt the same. As our confidence built, we went on to give up the least amount sacks in Briarwood’s history in the regular season.
The very first meeting that our football team had in January, our coaches told us that the theme for the year would be discipline. They meant what they said, and we benefited from it. In the off season, we worked out 5 days a week ranging from an hour and a half to three hours. Then during the summer we worked out four days a week for approximately the same time. Next we had two-a-days, which are morning and afternoon practices. These practices ranged from two to four hours. Finally the season came, and we practiced for three days a week, rehearsed for one, and then played a game on Friday. Our team was fortunate enough to do this for fifteen weeks. At the same time that this preparation was going on, each student was able to maintain their grades in order to stay eligible for the team. That is discipline.
The ability to keep your head and accomplish your goals in the middle of adversity and everyone’s eyes are on you is a necessary, learned behavior. Football has the ability to teach that lesson. Our team demonstrated this ability when we were playing our rivals. Our starting quarter back was out for one play; it was fourth down. The back up quarterback with almost no experience completed a pass that put us in the one yard line. We went on to win the game in double over time. That shows the ability to keep your head in tough situations.
It is evident that football prepares teenagers for the future, and will help become more self confident, determined, and sure that they can over come obstacles that they will face in their life. This is what I believe.