Special to the Cape Charles Mirror by Charles McWilliams.
On a recent away game to Mathews, Virginia where I was proud to transport The Northampton High School’s Varsity Football team. Witnessed, was a display of empathy and maturity, far exceeding the player’s years.
From kick-off, the score was close. In the final quarter, Northampton’s Quarterback – Jersey #2 with a brilliant support by defense, carried the ball an impressive 30 yards, for a touch-down and 46/35 final victory.
By itself, a rivalry remarkably well executed and fought! What occurred on the field that evening, on a higher plane, was the stuff of Legends in Their Own Time!
Readying the bus for departure, four Mathews families stopped to congratulate and express gratitude for the sportsmanship exhibited by The Northampton Team.
Throughout the game, as plays ended, Northampton would extend a hand, to the opponent to assist him to his feet or after a block, a fist bump, in a showing of camaraderie.
What are the football coaches teaching the youth of Northampton County Schools these days, beyond the importance of winning? The answer is, “what it takes to be a man.”
In a world where at times, life’s horizons seem obscured. It is heartening to witness, to be a small part of the renascence of the human spirit! Kudos to the men and women, the families, the individuals and those who turn out in support for; contributors all, to the greater good of Northampton County Schools, most valuable asset!
A Northampton County Schools Bus Driver
So proud of the good sportsmanship exibited by our Northampton teams!
Honored to say I’m from the Eastern Shore when I hear that good sportsmanship is still important there. Whatever life throws at those young men in the future, they can be proud that they have developed such important social skills.
So great to hear this kind of feedback, and it’s no surprise. Having coached with Coach Traister and his staff last year, I can’t say enough about his leadership and that of the rest of the staff; they are great guys and real motivators. Also, as usual, we have great kids on the team.
I remember way back to 1999 after my first loss as a J.V. coach, I saw our principal, Paul Custis, coming down the hall in the morning. I thought I might just get chewed out for losing a close one. Instead, he shook my hand and commended me on our sportsmanship and the fact that we never gave up. That really stuck with me. That, and how Athletic Director Butch Travis made it clear to all coaches every year that while winning was important, the most important award we could win as a school was the VHSL Sportsmanship Award, which we won many of.
In terms of winning, every team goes through good years and bad years, but sportsmanship and character should be a constant. It’s great to see the tradition continue.
JACKET PRIDE!