~:[CH12 - Day 133]:~ The Big Stage

 
~:[CH12 - Day 133]:~ The Big Stage

It's about the opportunity. Out of all the athletes that started the season, the CIF-SS was down to just nine per event coming together in Moorpark. It's mind-boggling to think about that with over a hundred teams in every division, we're left with just nine from each team in all of these events. It's the big stage. Coaches always hope to be here and most don't take this moment for granted. After a great first jump, we were definitely down that our high jumper didn't advance, but disappointment was nowhere to be seen. Our AD put it best, you have to qualify to this moment in order to not to advance. We hoped he'd advance, but we were also glad to be here watching him. Similarly, our hurdler had a breakout moment last week. She didn't have the best start which left her in catch up mode the rest of the race, but similarly, there was no disappointment. Being here is just incredible and the only participation medal they need, is the opportunity to compete. When the youth learn that it's not about receiving an award, but the award is being able to compete, they learn to appreciate this moment even more. They both worked hard for this moment and definitely deserve their moment to shine in the spotlight on this big stage, no matter where they ended up in the standings. In the end, we did leave with a CIF medal, but even better, we left with them having experienced something they may not have imagined. We celebrated at my friend's sushi restaurant in Westlake Village as he moved from Mammoth Lakes where we first met him while he was fishing and later that week we visited him at his restaurant. The strange thing was, that the last time I saw him, one of the athletes competing today was just starting out on her journey, as it was during our cross country Mammoth Camp. It made me think back to the beginning and just how far she came to make it to this stage. Even if you work hard or have the most talent, there is no guarantee you'll be here, which is why even more, we should celebrate that we are here on the big stage. Congratulations!