Speaking of Sports

By John Fragodt, Sports Reporter

I was thinking the other day how much I miss watching my kids play sports and taking part in school activities.  I was lucky enough to have my kids come with me to cover games when they were younger and I was lucky enough to be able to get paid while covering their participation in high school sports.

They eventually all ended up at UM-Morris where they all played basketball (and other sports) while earning their degrees.

My wife and I loved going to all their games and our weeks seemed to be planned around their sporting events.

Although life was very hectic at the time, it was also the highlight of our week and we loved every bit of watching our kids play.  Game days were extra special, knowing I’d get to watch my kids competing on the field, court or track.

And so, student-athletes, don’t think for one bit that your parents don’t also love watching you participate in sports.  It doesn’t matter where you finish, or if you win or lose, they’re going to enjoy watching you play.  All they want is for you to be happy, play hard and feel good about yourself once the competition is done.

Even when I was younger playing sports, I remember looking up in the bleachers to see if my Mom and Dad were in attendance.  I’ll admit it didn’t mean as much if they weren’t there, even though I knew they weren’t able to get to all my games and might be listening to the radio . . . and so, the effort was still there the same.

When I got home after a game, my father wouldn’t say much, but I could tell when I made him proud by seeing a little water around his eyes.  He’d shake my hand and say “good job, John boy”.  He’d then turn away before he’d start to cry.  

Parents not only enjoy watching you play sports more than anyone else and more than you think, they’re also aware of all the work you do, the sacrifices you make and the emotions you go through during a sports’ season and school year.

Yes, I’ve always said that kids should participate in sports because they want to, not because they are pushed into participating.  But, the next time you consider putting in less effort, or just putting in the motions, or even consider quitting because things aren’t going quite the way you want, think about your parents and the amount of joy you’re bringing to their lives.

Because, whether you know it or not, it’s the highlight of their week to watch you play.  You won’t fully understand it until you have kids or grandkids or your own.

Stay positive, play hard and enjoy!