Championship Game Day

A day or two ago, commenting on a Facebook post I was sharing, I mentioned that competing in a conference championship – regardless of sport, game, tournament, or activity – is a big deal.

That’s never more true than right now in December 2020, nine months into a global pandemic.

From the instructions not to return to campus after spring break in the middle of March to stepping on the field in tonight’s American Conference Football Game tonight in mid-December, this season has been riddled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, disappointments and joys.

The pandemic has developed my belief in the power of prayer.

I seem to be maintaining a constant conversation with God.

I’ve prayed for so many friends and loved ones afflicted with health struggles due to or during COVID.

I’ve prayed for those who’ve lost loved ones during COVID.

I’ve prayed for happiness, health, and success over and over and over again.

I’ve prayed for young people across the country, carrying such heavy loads with virtual learning, clouds of online negativity, and major doses of cabin fever.

I’ve prayed for Coach, for our football family, our staff, our players, our children, and our incredible group of wives and girlfriends who walk this path of college sports.

I’ve prayed for this opportunity and this moment, and I’ve reminded Coach and my boys to enjoy this to the fullest.

I’ve reminded them that none of this is guaranteed.

Any season – EVERY season – is stressful, a roller coaster ride that presents hardships and struggles for each team as they pursue what looks like an easy, straightforward goal: to win.

In actuality, that path is complex, time-consuming, exhilarating, frustrating, wonderful, and awful.

All at the same time.

My Grandma Syble used to tell me a story and then say, “Hmm, I wouldn’t give anything…”

Her last words would just kind of fade out, like she was talking more to herself than to me while absorbing that remembrance all over again.

I believe she was reaffirming that regardless of the difficulty, regardless of the pain, regardless of the outcomes, she would not trade that memory, that moment of her life, for anything else.

Well, this football game tonight? I wouldn’t give anything…

Sure, I would have loved to travel with the team this year.

Of course, I wish we’d been able to have a pep-rally and a big send-off before they left for the airport yesterday.

It would have been a blast to have our band and spirit squad there to represent and cheer on the boys.

But here’s the thing: I wouldn’t give anything to trade this opportunity for our football family.

It might not look how we’d have drawn it up, it might not be “normal” but it’s still so incredibly worthwhile.

It’s a tremendous blessing, and playing in this game tonight is a big deal.

After three years of rebuilding, close games, and heart-wrenching moments, after nine months of quarantining and masks and distance and isolation, after a season of COVID tests and cancellations, playing in tonight’s conference championship is a VERY BIG DEAL.

I’m so proud of how this team has managed this time, how they’ve grown closer and closer along the way, how they’ve faced adversity with dignity and grace.

And I’m thankful for opportunities to participate from home!

Here is list of game day activities – I hope you’ll join me in enjoying every second and cheering extra loud when they kickoff at 7 pm:

It’s time, boys…let’s do this!!

With love and hugs,

Ashli