jack just finished his third year of football!
this season definitely stretched him, both physically and mentally. part way through the season he realized he just wasn't really having any fun with football anymore. his body was being beaten up and so were his emotions. his team only won a total of three games, so that only added to his frustrations. but, he is glad that he played this year because now he knows that he really loves soccer and he wants to focus on that from here on out.
he played offense and defense again this year. he said he enjoyed making tackles, although the further he got into the season, the more timid he was playing. i think he was just tired of getting so hurt during multiple practices and games each week and started getting a little afraid to get hit.
we played the championship tournament last saturday and won our game against the team "jerry neel's bbq" to finish in 3rd place. considering we didn't even score once during our first three games, that came as a surprise! the score was 13-12
football has definitely challenged jack physically over the years. he's so used to being one of the better athletes on his other sports teams, but football made him work harder to prove his abilities. that was a bit of an eye opener for him. but i think he has learned that practice and hard work really does help you get better at things. and maybe he's learned that you don't have to be the best player in order to help your team succeed. very proud of him for pushing through this last season, especially when he felt like walking away from it towards the end.
these videos aren't great, i took them on my phone during their first scrimmage one evening, but jack made a couple great tackles. he's the one in blue with a white helmet.
although we started resenting practices towards the end, i know we will all miss our evenings at the field.
i loved watching their warmup exercises because jack is so fast and strong. he was usually the first one up during up downs, the first one across the line during sprints, and definitely the strongest during the ab workouts. he takes after his dad and is a natural athlete. to someone who is not athletic in any way, that is something i admire and find very beautiful.
we will definitely miss the games.
cheering for jack is one of our favorite things to do!
even in 100 degree weather
and freezing temps
owen can probably claim the title of number one fan. between digging in the dirt and climbing the bleachers he'd yell "go jack! jackie numbah one!"
here is just a sampling of one of his arms after a game. both arms and both legs looked like this for the past month and half or so.
have to admit, i did get nervous that someone at school might question him on his home situation when seeing his bruising haha. but overall we are grateful he made it through his football career with only minor injuries.
1 comment:
Jack, we are so proud of you (and a little relieved you're hanging up your helmet).
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