I received a phone call two days ago. Because of it, I’m giving up running.
The person who called is a lawyer and a basketball fan. We played together on my high school basketball team. He fondly remembers our senior year when our team made it to the state tournament and placed fifth. He has long felt cheated because these days ninth graders attend high school and can play varsity basketball. When we were in school, ninth graders were at the junior high, and there was no possibility of playing on the high school team. He thinks we should have another year of eligibility.
The 1975 Rogers HS team finished in 5th place at the state tournament. I am #21
Then something amazing happened. After a long period of analyzing the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association bylaws, lengthy discussions with school officials, and a threat of legal action, my friend just got an additional year of eligibility for our original high school basketball team.
I found an old pair of shoes to use. They’ve been sitting in my closet for at least 20 years.
We won’t be bumping the current Rogers High School team off the schedule. A special one-year adjustment has been made to the league. There’ll be 2 Rogers teams: Rogers HS and Rogers HS Senior Elite.
I didn’t really want to play high school basketball again, but when my friend said I’d be the only one from the team not participating, I joined up. Now I’m starting to get excited even though it means giving up running because of our rigorous workouts. Our team is going to practice six days a week starting June 24th. Even though area high schools don’t start practices until November, we’ve been allowed to start early. This is necessary because none of us have played organized basketball for a long time, and some of the guys are way overweight.
Hey! A mouse nest.
Our goal, of course, is to win the state championship. With the talent and dedication that my teammates have, I think it’s doable. Already, one sportswriter has said that if we get into shape, our team will be favorites to win league.
Another neat thing about all this – the entire cheerleading squad from high school has decided to buy uniforms, whip themselves into shape, and cheer us every game.
I was trying to understand this, Jim, but what is actually unjust about what you write? I’m busy now but will re-read this. Yes, I know Niko Collela next to you. What was his number as it’s hidden with the basketball?
Patrick, Niko was so well-known for his easy-going, friendly attitude, that the basketball coach assigned him a smiley face instead of a number. Niko was a little embarrassed by it during team photos.