sectional time

Tonight, 5 years ago seems like yesterday.  It was the last time that Mike Lang & I walked off the soccer pitch as coaches of the South Dearborn Lady Knights.  After nine years, more than 100 wins, one Sectional & two Conference championships, we stepped away.  Our time had come and gone, just like all of the freshmen who became seniors.  I think what I miss most are the bus rides - a time of excitement, anticipation, intense conversation, joy & sometimes utter disappointment.  But, any sadness that lingers from lost games or championships quickly fades when I see a former player - see how they have grown and made their place in the world.  So now, I stand on a hill above the first game of the Sectional Tournament, with no desire to go inside but in no hurry to take the short trip home, away from the game we all loved.