It's often been said sports bring groups of people together. Yes, watching the big game brings many people into someone's living room with the big screen TV but there is more to it than just ordering food and turning on the game.
Sports bring us together for a common cause, to give us something to look forward to, and to give us a common desired outcome. Cheering on a favorite sports team unites a group of people looking for the same goal (in all cases, a win).
Every fall, I am reminded of this with my activities surrounding Solon football. For the home games, I am in the press box announcing the games for Solon Educational Television (SETV). On the road, I take my cameras with me to take digital pictures of the action. Whether the game is at home or away, the same goal and unity among the Solon fans takes place.
My football family for the home games includes the Solon television crew and just about everyone in the press box. It always makes me smile driving to the games knowing I have an awesome crew and broadcast partner in Chuck Chokenea to work with. As a crew, we are united to provide the best broadcast possible for viewers later on (all games are on tape delay). The workers in the press box are always my halftime friends to talk to about the game. It is always a great feeling knowing you have family to work with the tape the game and to talk to at halftime.
Whether the game is home or away, the parents of the players become family as well. Interacting with the parents is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy hearing their perspectives on the games, discussing the team, and future games with them. As the season progresses, these people become family as well and united for a common cause.
Some of the parents that have come out of their way to always support me have been Karla Terry-Crumbly (one of my best friends), the Lesko family, Matt Knight, the Camiener family, Svitlana Trofymchuk, and the Pohle family to name a few. These parents have always supported me and I thank them for their friendship and support.
In addition to the parents, those involved with the Solon Marching Band have become family as well. Band Director Ed Kline, Assistant Directors Mark Mauldin and Robert Luce, and Starlettes Coordinator Kelly Wilson are all friendly faces that are fun to talk to and see each and every game. The shows they provide at halftime are always incredible and talking music with them is always a pleasure.
On the sidelines for the away games, my sideline buddies who have stood with me to take pictures include Doug Wolfe, Victor Heyman, Brandt Heinrich, and Hilliary Benjamin. All of these people are huge supporters of Solon football and I always know I still get to see these people when the team is on the road. These people have become close to me like family due to the common goal of cheering on Solon football.
Lastly, the coaching and those who support the coaches have become family as well. Head Coach Jim McQuaide, his son, his family and coaching staff have always been supportive of me and become united each year in helping the team grow and succeed. Athletic Director Mark McGuire is always helpful and supportive. It's always a pleasure to discuss football, family, and life with these people during spare moments.
Sports have proven to unite people and I am reminded of that each year with Solon football. When the season ends, it leaves me sad and happy at the same time. I am always said the the season ends but happy I will get to see my family again next fall.
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