Most everyone is aware of the fact that in high school sports the competition between rival schools can be quite intense. This is especially true in smaller towns and the mid-west. A critical game between rival schools is something that local fans may talk about for years.
Just as often, these big games can come down to a matter of a few points. So every point counts. Thus when I saw that Coach Dave Rohlman of the Barbs had the chance for 2 points from a technical foul against rival school Madison, I was surprised that the choice of shooter was left to volunteers. It got even more interesting that once team captain Darius McNeal did volunteer he was told
“You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.”
Yes McNeal did understand this. And miss them he did. McNeal
“..went alone to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a couple of times, and looked at the rim.
His first attempt went about two feet, bouncing a couple of times as it rolled toward the end line. The second barely left his hand.“
What in the world was going on?
Well earlier that day, Johntel Franklin - a member of the Milwaukee team - was at the local hospital. His mother had just suddenly lost her battle with cancer. Several teammates were at the hospital with him. In fact the basketball game had been delayed an hour because of this.
But Franklin wanted Milwaukee Madison to play the game rather than cancel. And the DeKalb Barbs, visitors in this matchup, were willing to go along with whatever the team decided. So the game started late.
In the middle of the game, Franklin showed up to cheer on the team. And asked to join in, trying to use the game as a way to deal with the sudden loss of his mother. The Milwaukee team had no problems accepting. But this caused a technical foul, giving the Barbs a 2 point free throw. Which they argued not to take. But rules are rules.
The results are as stated above.
In a world were success is often desired above all else, especially in sports where winning is always the ultimate goal, its comforting to hear of compassion. I don’t mean just giving up, or throwing the game. Both teams played a good game, and there was a winner and loser according to the score.
But there was a respect given. A rarity these days in almost any potion of life we hear about. A respect of the humanity of rivals, of the situation at hand. And that ultimately is more valuable than stats, or scores.
The loss of a parent is always a difficult thing. Even in my 30’s the loss of my father was devastating to me. So I can easily understand the feelings of Franklin.
And I must credit the Barbs. They had the chance of easy points. They could have improved the stats, maybe even altered the course of the game. But instead they took the high road. Which should been blasted across all the sports radio and television stations across the nation.
Winning at all costs has a cost. A loss of humanity, compassion, and/or any number of other negatives at times. We as a society lose that perspective these days. Far too often. Mostly because the money at risk is too large it seems. Or the notoriety is too valued.
2 points can make or break a basketball game. At the same time, the very same 2 points can help define men (and women) for their lives. I think Madison, Barbs, McNeal, and coach Rohlman won far more than what the basketball game was intended to give.
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