Pursuing Victory with Honor

On Friday, the Floresville Tigers basketball team played in the second round of the State UIL basketball playoffs. I attended the game and was struck by the effort from these gentlemen and our fans supporting them.  It is something I will never forget.

This team had not advanced this far into the playoffs since 1993.  Players and fans entered the game with excitement and anticipation of a possible victory.  It was an incredible game.  The Tigers led and then fell behind in the first half. In the last quarter; our boys erased a 12 point deficit and led late in the game late in only to lose in a late surge from a talented and well disciplined team from Roma High School.

I have been to many playoff games for both boys and girls sports.  The reason this game was so unforgettable was the character displayed by both fans and athletes.  Unfortunately, from the beginning of the game our team was littered with boos from the opposing fans. These boos were directed at our athletes as well as our fans, including an elderly woman who stood in front of our own crowd to lead a cheer.  Despite this treatment, I did not hear one negative comment, inappropriate cheer, or boo against their team or crowd from our fans.  It was incredible.  I swell with pride just thinking about it. 

Sports and extra curricular activities provide our children with more than simply physical activity. They provide them skills to assist in dealing with life’s many challenges and victories.  The display of our fans and students was a prime example of what I want my own children to experience.  Despite the loss, our students were shown what was really important. Our adults and fans responded to adversity with courage, pride, and good sportsmanship. 

Thank you Tigers for a great effort; you left it all on the floor and I could not be more proud. Thank you coaching staff.  You have prepared these young men to face adversity and respond in a positive way.  Finally, thank you fans in the stands. You provided an example of sportsmanship and character I will never forget.  We might have lost; but in the process we all pursued victory with honor. 

David Vinson, PhD.