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I went to the Merrill homecoming game today. I haven't been to a game (homecoming or not) for longer than I can remember. I think the last time I went it was because my brother (two years before me in High School) was performing at half time or something (Dan was in the Jazz Choir). That would have been more than 25 years ago. Wil hadn't been to a high school game since he dropped off the football team in his senior year.
We went today because Myr is in the 8th grade band and they played with the High School marching band before the game started. Now, Merrill isn't a small school, but we're not that big either. We do, however, have a fairly cool band program. This is the first year the middle school kids were invited to play with the marching band to help build an interest in band and keep the numbers up.
It was a memorable experience.
The day started out perfect, blue sky, lots of white fluffy clouds, temps in the mid 50's. However, just when the band was in front of the bleachers to play their pieces before the game, a large and menacing cloud showed up. It started to rain. The band played their first piece (Go For It, IIRC). It started to hail. Small pea-sized hail only, mind, but hail none the less. Large drops of cold rain and hail. After the first song, while the weather continued to be contrary, the band had to stand while the Gold/Silver M-ers (those who lettered in football at least 25 years ago) were introduced. Then the Homecoming court was introduced. All very beautiful girls dressed in beautiful gowns escorted by their parents in the rain and hail.
Finally the band got to play their last couple of songs -- however, they cut it short, due mostly, I assume, to the fact the the music they were using was melting. They didn't get to play "He's a Pirate" from Pirate of the Caribbean. Which was a shame because Myr worked very hard on learning it. Still, I understand the reason behind it. It was darn cold in the rain. She did get to play a couple other songs, including the National Anthem.
The hail didn't last the entire time, but it came and went. As did the rain. Mid-way through the first quarter the eighth grade band broke up and Myr end up back with us. Which was good because I could give her the sweater I'd brought for her. Myr thought it was great and is thinking about trying out the for marching band next year. Maybe. We actually have two concert bands, the Marching Jays, a jazz band and several other band groups in the school.
The game went badly. Not that that was a big surprise, mind. As I said, we're not a big school and that is evident in out football team. The opposing team had twice as many players as we did and on average there were six inches taller and twenty-five pounds heavier. It was a very noticeable difference on the field. Now, DC Everest is a known football power and people send their kids there just to play the game. Still, next year we are being moved down a division, which will make it a fairer battle all the way around. I mean, we always did fairly well in the football field in the past, but we won on heart. In this day in age, technology, money and a good recruitment policy will beat heart more often then not.
By far the worst part of the game came at the end of the first quarter when our quarterback was hurt. They took him off on a backboard. Latest word was that he suffered a "neck injury" but that he was fine. Good news, that. We lost 33 to 13. The game wasn't quite the blowout the score suggests. In the second half we scored 13 to their 6, so there is some good there.
One telling thing about our community is the fact that there was 50+ "Silver M"-ers at the game. Most of them live in the area and all of them support the school.
They always have an honorary "Silver M" captain for the football team. I don't recall the name of the person chosen, but I do remember that he survived both the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. It makes me sad to think I didn't get his name, for that is a memorable accomplishment.
I know a lot of people dislike High School football because of all abuses that are out there. But really, a solid sports team or band or the like is a good way to build community. I love that fact that our school now gives out letters for academic achievement as well as sport achievement. I could have lettered if they would have allowed that back when I went to school. I love that the band is as well received as the football. Are there problems? Of course. There are problems everywhere, but community is important and if it can be built through a Homecoming football game, there's no harm in that.
Besides, Myr had a great time playing. She got a glimpse into something that High School will offer and that she could try out for if she so desired. I was never into the High School scene. I don't regret that choice and I would make that same choice today. But if Myr wants to go for it, I'll happy to help her find a way to do it.
We went today because Myr is in the 8th grade band and they played with the High School marching band before the game started. Now, Merrill isn't a small school, but we're not that big either. We do, however, have a fairly cool band program. This is the first year the middle school kids were invited to play with the marching band to help build an interest in band and keep the numbers up.
It was a memorable experience.
The day started out perfect, blue sky, lots of white fluffy clouds, temps in the mid 50's. However, just when the band was in front of the bleachers to play their pieces before the game, a large and menacing cloud showed up. It started to rain. The band played their first piece (Go For It, IIRC). It started to hail. Small pea-sized hail only, mind, but hail none the less. Large drops of cold rain and hail. After the first song, while the weather continued to be contrary, the band had to stand while the Gold/Silver M-ers (those who lettered in football at least 25 years ago) were introduced. Then the Homecoming court was introduced. All very beautiful girls dressed in beautiful gowns escorted by their parents in the rain and hail.
Finally the band got to play their last couple of songs -- however, they cut it short, due mostly, I assume, to the fact the the music they were using was melting. They didn't get to play "He's a Pirate" from Pirate of the Caribbean. Which was a shame because Myr worked very hard on learning it. Still, I understand the reason behind it. It was darn cold in the rain. She did get to play a couple other songs, including the National Anthem.
The hail didn't last the entire time, but it came and went. As did the rain. Mid-way through the first quarter the eighth grade band broke up and Myr end up back with us. Which was good because I could give her the sweater I'd brought for her. Myr thought it was great and is thinking about trying out the for marching band next year. Maybe. We actually have two concert bands, the Marching Jays, a jazz band and several other band groups in the school.
The game went badly. Not that that was a big surprise, mind. As I said, we're not a big school and that is evident in out football team. The opposing team had twice as many players as we did and on average there were six inches taller and twenty-five pounds heavier. It was a very noticeable difference on the field. Now, DC Everest is a known football power and people send their kids there just to play the game. Still, next year we are being moved down a division, which will make it a fairer battle all the way around. I mean, we always did fairly well in the football field in the past, but we won on heart. In this day in age, technology, money and a good recruitment policy will beat heart more often then not.
By far the worst part of the game came at the end of the first quarter when our quarterback was hurt. They took him off on a backboard. Latest word was that he suffered a "neck injury" but that he was fine. Good news, that. We lost 33 to 13. The game wasn't quite the blowout the score suggests. In the second half we scored 13 to their 6, so there is some good there.
One telling thing about our community is the fact that there was 50+ "Silver M"-ers at the game. Most of them live in the area and all of them support the school.
They always have an honorary "Silver M" captain for the football team. I don't recall the name of the person chosen, but I do remember that he survived both the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. It makes me sad to think I didn't get his name, for that is a memorable accomplishment.
I know a lot of people dislike High School football because of all abuses that are out there. But really, a solid sports team or band or the like is a good way to build community. I love that fact that our school now gives out letters for academic achievement as well as sport achievement. I could have lettered if they would have allowed that back when I went to school. I love that the band is as well received as the football. Are there problems? Of course. There are problems everywhere, but community is important and if it can be built through a Homecoming football game, there's no harm in that.
Besides, Myr had a great time playing. She got a glimpse into something that High School will offer and that she could try out for if she so desired. I was never into the High School scene. I don't regret that choice and I would make that same choice today. But if Myr wants to go for it, I'll happy to help her find a way to do it.
