 |
| Friday Night by wikimedia. |
I am a huge baseball fan, but I do agree with Howie Long's Hall of Fame speech when he said, "Baseball may be America's past time but Football is its passion". Nothing else engages the entire American family life like football. Friday night's in America represent a culmination of the entire community and school system. Obviously, the players themselves have worked, practiced and trained for months leading up to the game. The cheerleaders have been to camps, trained newbies and learned to toss little girls high in the air. Unfortunately, there are no cheerleaders at baseball games. The marching band has work for months learning their school's fight song, how to march, and a halftime show. The little kids will play their own football games behind the stands, and the parents will buy raffle tickets and noise makers to support their local high school. Savvy politicians will attend and shake as many hands as possible, and police officers will gladly sign up for crowd detail just to get a chance to watch some football. The local newspaper reporter and photographer will surely be there to give their subscribers content that they definitely want. You can't name any other American event that brings together the entire community. No political rally, town forum, or fireworks display can bring out as many people at a Friday Night High School football game.
For parent's it a labor of love. Work all day, then come stand at the gate to sell raffle tickets, then cheer own the team, then go home and wash dirty uniforms. It's sounds horrible I know, but the total community experience for our kids is an education in itself. Yes, by mid September I'll be headed to the local pharmacy for some form of No Doze, and start drinking those horrible tasting energy drinks but it's all worth it. The lessons of competition, the lessons of music, and the lessons of community are all worth the effort. With all the negatives in our country today, Friday Night Football stands out as one of the best attributes of today's Americana! So, Geaux Rebels, and I hope you enjoy this wonderful football season!
 |
| My Friday Night Boys! |
I enjoyed reading this, really interesting to hear about football culture (especially as it's not something I've really experienced as I live in the UK). Maybe it's just been due to when the seasons take place, but over the last month or two it seems like baseball has been the sport that most dad bloggers have been talking about. It'll be interesting to see if the balance shifts now.
ReplyDeleteHere in the UK our 'football' season (i.e. soccer) is just getting underway. As my son is only four months old he's a bit too young to get involved and appreciate it, but he does have a baby grow with the crest of our local team!
Jonathan
Thanks Jonathan,
DeleteActually, I like soccer/football very much. When my boys were younger, I would coach their soccer teams because I was the only one that knew the rules. During the match I would yell at the ref, "he's off sides" and all the other dad's would look at me and say, "what's that mean". American soccer is only in the winter months.
I'll be looking forward to reading about your little man's first exploits on the "football" fields.
Van B.