I am not fully responsible for my thoughts on game day. A lot of ideas, emotions, worries and hopes fill me on game day, and, especially in the morning hours, I create some time alone to reflect on all of them. You typically won't find me in the office on the morning of a match. There are many facets of running a college sports program, but today I get to ignore all of them and focus only on the task directly ahead: Game day.
I love game day!
Not to overstate my influence on the day's events - soccer is a player's game - but, when kickoff rolls around at 4pm today, I'll have run through every possible scenario I can imagine. If, and when, any given one of these arises, I am hopefully prepared. The great news is that I have every reason to believe that this team is capable of surprising a lot of people. We're not the finished product, and yes, there will be some speed bumps along the way, but I do like our chances in the fight.
I read this morning some interesting history regarding today's match up with Eastern Illinois. Valparaiso is 1-10-1 lifetime against them, and we have not scored a single goal in any game with them since 1997! If they took odds on this game in Vegas, I am sure the smart money would be on them.
Here is what I love about my team, though: The only history we are concerned with is the history we are making together. Today, tomorrow, this season ahead of us.
Last season, the last 12 seasons, even 12 minutes ago... the past has nothing to do with who we decide to be right now. We define ourselves. We know and believe in ourselves and our teammates, and we are committed to doing things nobody ever thought was possible.
We met during preseason on what I believe to be a fateful night for this season, and under the guidance of Dr Bob Fortosis (my college coach, friend, mentor and now successful Athletic Director and consultant in team building), we had a discussion that centered on a simple question. It is funny how in life the simplest questions are the most difficult to answer, yet they carry the most weight.
Are you "in", or are you "out".
No wavering, zero indecisiveness, completely and totally - a decision had to be made that you were in with your teammates, or that you were going to sit this journey out. 37 players that night, 3 coaches and one manager all decided to commit to each other for the season.
Everyone is "in" on this team.
We're now 38 players strong, Israel Bisoni has been cleared and has joined us, and I can tell you without hesitation that we have not had a single practice session or meeting or conversation that suggests that even one of the 38 regrets that choice.
Does this collective commitment guarantee success on the field today or any other day? Of course not. Division 1 soccer is extremely challenging. There is no mid major level, no easy games. Eastern is a good team and they will certainly be on a journey of their own.
What we can guarantee, though, is that whatever this season holds for us - highs or lows, days that were just days or days that were really good - this team is "in" until the end. Whether our individual role is in the forefront or in the background, we believe we each are integral to our mission. This type of bond is not normal, especially among young men today, but we are admittedly and proudly abnormal. We aren't seeking to be ordinary - the foundational beliefs of this little soccer program are a road map to becoming extraordinary.
This is pretty heady stuff, and we are brave enough to let it matter.
Oh boy - reading back I just realized that I can no longer post about the running campaign on game day. The Extra Mile is still going strongly. Our support for it is growing in pledges and other forms of support, and I had better update you again on it another day.
Gotta run, sorry... I know you'll forgive me. It is, after all, GAME DAY!
Mike
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