Thanks to all those who make basketball games so enjoyable

We’re in basketball season, and I am thrilled to have three grandsons playing: one at NJC and two (11 & 9) at Wray. The little ones play in Brush every Sunday—beyond cute.

My kids all played basketball, so I have spent many (MANY) hours sitting on bleachers asking questions such as, “What just happened? Was that a foul? What did the ref mean by that?”

Besides benefits for the athletes, two things come to mind when I think of the value of basketball games—possibly every sport.

Fans show up. It is great to see people of all ages clapping hands, shouting kudos intermingled with a few growls at referee calls. Even people with little association with individual players like the game and want to support the local teams. Of course, families and friends of the family sit and cheer together, making a cheer team. It’s a healthy activity for all concerned. I know it increases this grandma’s heart rate and makes me proud.

The second thing I give tons of credit to are the students who don’t play ball but practice and entertain with cheer routines, or play in the band. They add so much to my enjoyment; they are pretty talented. Kids who aren’t involved in organized activities sell tickets, work in concessions, sit together in the stands, clean up after the game, and probably get no kudos.

It’s a combo of participants and supporters, and kids and adults wanting to win but offering encouragement even when the team has a bad game or season. Everyone has hope.

I can’t think of anything else where those dynamics come together in my world. We’re all on the same team at a hometown game—I love it. Maybe other “entities” in our world could learn from paying attention to how cooperation and encouragement benefit all.

At a recent high school game, my spirits rose, and my smile widened when the band started setting up. I was afraid they weren’t coming. I don’t know, but I’ll bet they bring their instruments and find a spot on the bleachers not because they have no choice but for the joy of it. They involve the student body and crowd, support the cheer teams, and tap and stomp their feet while having fun together.

Kudos to the cheer teams who come to the middle of the floor and throw each other in the air, perform gymnastics, and try to get the crowd involved. It’s a pleasure to watch. Remember to notice the announcers, the video recorders, the scorekeepers, and whoever keeps the music booming. It’s all a well-oiled machine in action.

THANKS, especially to the players who give their best and entertain us during these cold winter months.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.