Ridger Sports Sometimes football prepares for the 'game' of life

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

— Football is just a game.

While it may be the No. 1 most popular sport in America when it comes to numbers of kids participating, it is still just a game, right? Even though it' s a sport that a staggering amount of money gets spent on and generated from on a regular basis, it is just a game.

People that aren't much into sports, or into football in particular, sometimes folks ask what the "big deal" is. Schools that get asked why so much time and energy gets visited on sports, respondents usually come back with answers like "it's good for kids health," or "it keeps kids off the streets." My favorite justification, which I believe to be true, is that football the game, can prepare participants for "life." I firmly believe that the experiences and events that transpire in the game of football can actually help someone cope with future experiences and events that will come their way.

Sometimes the game of football and real life experiences become one and the same. Such a time was last Friday night at the Gravette/Pea Ridge football over in Gravette. Last week, a Gravette football player became ill and passed away the day after seeing a doctor for what he described as back pain.

Tackle Casey Russell died in a Little Rock hospital from complications from a staph infection.

The junior athlete was a vibrant and popular member of the team and of the school's student body as well and his sudden passing was a shock for those who knew him, as well as for those who didn't.

There was some discussion as to whether the game with the Blackhawks should be played in light of what had happened, but the decision was made to play on, with the player's family blessing.

At the game Friday, not only did the Lions wear symbols in memory of Casey, the Blackhawk players also woreNo. 56 decals on the back of their helmets in deference to Casey and his family. Coach Tony Travis agreed with the Gravette coach to run the first play from scrimmage with only 10 players, leaving Casey's place vacant as well as the 'Hawk's position across from his. The game ball was then presented to the Russell family.

The battle between the Lions and 'Hawks took on a different atmosphere than is the norm at a high school football game. The lives of those who attend and work at Gravette High School as well as their families and friends, were affected by the events of last week and it was evident by those in attendance. Although to a much lesser degree, even the 'Hawks and their fans were affected.

When young people leave this life way before the time that we think they are supposed to, it can't help but make people stop and think.

You think more about what's important in life, how precious life is, and how suddenly things can change.

The homecoming queen atGravette said that while she was happy to win the crown of one of America's most iconic honors, she remarked that she would have liked it "One thou sand times better if Casey had been present." I think a lot of parents in this part of country might have given their own kids an extra hug or two this past week, as thoughts went to how easily life can end on this planet.

The game, as does life, went on. Death is hard for anyone to deal with, but especially so for young people. It's just not supposed to happen, but it does happen and it will happen.

The conduct of both football teams in Gravette Friday night was a benefit to the Russell family. While the kids of GHS and their staff and friends will slowly adjust to last week's tragedy, the Russell family, of course, will have much more to deal with. Because of the game of football, there are and will be a powerful lot of thoughts and prayers being directed towards the Russell family.

Sometimes football isn't just a game.

Sports, Pages 8 on 09/30/2009