Physically, I am drained. Emotionally, I’m on a different
planet.
Regionals was every bit of the circus that is was cracked up
to be and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The controlled chaos of 24 basketball
games in 4 days felt like a roller coaster on repeat. I ate like a King. I
resisted temptation and actually never once ordered take-out. The players and
fans more than compensated. It seemed as if the delivery driver from Empress
was a permanent fixture in the commons, as was the smell of Asian food that
followed him. For me, I stuck by the staff of the Kotzebue cafeteria and they
never once did me wrong. Likewise, in the evenings the hospitality room kept my
tummy full and a smile on my face. I think I may have had two bags of popcorn
throughout the tourney and even indulged in a pop on a couple of occasions.
Let’s put it this way, food was never a worry of mine.
Saturday was the last day of games and chocked full of drama
as teams clung to the hopes on snatching that one last State Tournament berth
still up for grabs. Fresh off of championship game defeat, both teams from
Selawik were unable to handle the pressure and succumb to opponents that had
fought their way back through the consolation brackets. With steady team play
and solid defense, the Buckland Sausanni Girls and the Noorvik Bears Boys
earned their way to Anchorage in convincing fashion on Saturday in front of
another capacity and raucous crowd.
I again held down a VIP Seat on the baseline right next to
the Superintendent of Schools. Dr. O’Brien and I became old chums and made
small talk when the decibel level infrequently allowed for casual conversation.
After the final horn sounded on the 2015-2016 season I think
everyone involved let out a collective sigh of relief. The Awards Ceremony was
full of genuine school spirit and village pride. As the individual award
winners were announce, the gym filled with rhythmic chants and supports claps
for the entire audience. When the ceremony moved to Team Awards – the Kivalina
Girls were the first to be called as the 2015-2016 Northwest Arctic Region
SPORTSMANSHIP Award winners. I know that the award is a testament to Maayuk and
the way that she plays the game. Our team’s jovial style and never say die
attitude could also be reasons that opposing coaches voted for us. I’d like to
think that my approach and demeanor reflected positively on the Village of
Kivalina, our school and the kids that I coached. I proud of them and I’m proud
they were recognized for their efforts.
Maayuk was also voted to the All Tourney Team. Her hustle,
attitude and effort can never be questioned. If she applies those same
characteristics that she displays on the court to her life after school, she is
destined to great things. We are all proud of her as well.
The Senior recognition followed the team ceremony as family
poured from the bleachers bearing gifts of stuffed animals, flowers and helium
balloons by the hundreds. Pictures were snapped as many tears flowed in recognition
of most young basketball “careers” coming to an end. By reveille on Sunday morning I would venture
to say that less than 10 percent of the balloons remained, the rest had been
huffed and sucked down – some even traded, bought and sold for a cheap laugh
and a short high.
The coaches and athletic director had voted to sponsor a
hundred pizzas for the kids on Saturday night. When the food arrived, Mr.
Slatthaug called all of the coaches in to a quiet supply room where we were
offered first take on a slice of pizza. More importantly, he wanted to say “thank
you” and offer us a small 10-minute break behind closed doors and away from the
responsibilities of constant supervision. It was nice to have all of us coaches
in one place, peacefully visiting and offering up compliments on a season and a
tournament well run.
When the floodgates opened – the kids devoured the pizza
like a pack of starving animals. Many more smiles followed and the hallways
were a buzz until past 1:00 am on Sunday morning. I finally laid my head to
rest at 1:30 after chasing my girls to their sleeping quarters earlier than
some of the other teams. We were scheduled to be the first flight out of Kotz
at 8 o’clock and needed to pack, clean and be ready by 7:00 for our
transportation to the airport.
We all made it home safely.
The early morning flight in the Arctic was another beautiful
one. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I don’t have many more of these
flights left in me. I’m done with basketball season. And although I am
completely relieved to have some time to myself, a part of me is a bit sad.
I’m going to miss it.
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