My dad loved Basketball.He loved to go to our front driveway and shoot free throws (and he rarely missed).
Growing up, he would take on Robby, Jamie and I in many games of "shooters 21" (a different and much more pure version of barbaric version of action 21 played by many).
We went to tons of NorthWood boys games, and several NorthWood girls games growing up.
I don't think we missed a single game of Robby's (oldest brother) Junior and Senior years at NorthWood.
That was followed by Robby's Bethel College years, where we rarely missed a game (exceptions included a few trips to Florida and California where he couldn't get off work).
I think one of dad's proudest moments was watching Robby lift Bethel College's first National Championship Banner (NCCAA National Championship, 1992).
After Robby was done, he didn't stop going to games with mom. I'm not sure anyone has attended more NorthWood and Bethel games over the past 15 years than my parents (and remember, Bethel's head coach had two sons that played for NorthWood).
He payed attention to the game. He thoroughly enjoyed following the players and their development both on and off the court. In fact, many of our conversations over the past 10 years centered on NLC (NorthWood's conference) and MCC (Bethel's conference) players who were a part of NMC Student Ministries.
Growing up, he would take on Robby, Jamie and I in many games of "shooters 21" (a different and much more pure version of barbaric version of action 21 played by many).
We went to tons of NorthWood boys games, and several NorthWood girls games growing up.
I don't think we missed a single game of Robby's (oldest brother) Junior and Senior years at NorthWood.
That was followed by Robby's Bethel College years, where we rarely missed a game (exceptions included a few trips to Florida and California where he couldn't get off work).
I think one of dad's proudest moments was watching Robby lift Bethel College's first National Championship Banner (NCCAA National Championship, 1992).
After Robby was done, he didn't stop going to games with mom. I'm not sure anyone has attended more NorthWood and Bethel games over the past 15 years than my parents (and remember, Bethel's head coach had two sons that played for NorthWood).
He payed attention to the game. He thoroughly enjoyed following the players and their development both on and off the court. In fact, many of our conversations over the past 10 years centered on NLC (NorthWood's conference) and MCC (Bethel's conference) players who were a part of NMC Student Ministries.
Before his death, my mom and dad had made plans to head to Branson, Missouri if Bethel would make it to the NAIA National Championship tournament. They went last year, and had a great time cheering on the Pilots as they made it into the "Elite 8" but fell short in a 4 point loss to Belvue Baptist. He knew this was a special team. We had many conversations in his last months concerning the chemistry of this team...
The great leadership and hustle of Kory Lantz.
The amazing ability and steadiness of William Walker.
The athleticism and improvement in Ryne Lightfoot's game.
The value of the Laidig boy's bench play.
He's sit back, give that signature smirk and just say, "They're really good this year."
Tonight, I type this post from the Angel Inn in Branson, Missouri. Janelle is nodding off to sleep next to me, Katylynn is fast asleep in her pack-n-play, and mom is sleeping soundly in the bed next to us.
Tomorrow night is the Final 4 game where Bethel will take on College of the Ozarks (the host team). The gym will be packed. Bethel is the higher seed, but the crowd will be heavily favoring C of O. It will be the type of game my dad might have considered leaving the book in the car.
I'm excited to be here to cheer one 2 NMC student alums, Kory Lantz and Ryne Lightfoot. I love those guys.
But in all honesty, I'm most exited to simply enjoy this game, and hopefully one more on Tuesday, in remembrance of one great man who loved one great game!
The great leadership and hustle of Kory Lantz.
The amazing ability and steadiness of William Walker.
The athleticism and improvement in Ryne Lightfoot's game.
The value of the Laidig boy's bench play.
He's sit back, give that signature smirk and just say, "They're really good this year."
Tonight, I type this post from the Angel Inn in Branson, Missouri. Janelle is nodding off to sleep next to me, Katylynn is fast asleep in her pack-n-play, and mom is sleeping soundly in the bed next to us.
Tomorrow night is the Final 4 game where Bethel will take on College of the Ozarks (the host team). The gym will be packed. Bethel is the higher seed, but the crowd will be heavily favoring C of O. It will be the type of game my dad might have considered leaving the book in the car.
I'm excited to be here to cheer one 2 NMC student alums, Kory Lantz and Ryne Lightfoot. I love those guys.
But in all honesty, I'm most exited to simply enjoy this game, and hopefully one more on Tuesday, in remembrance of one great man who loved one great game!
4 comments:
I enjoy reading the stories you write about your dad! I'm glad you guys got the chance to head to Branson and I hope you enjoy it! Have fun! Go BC!
Great post, enjoy the experience and the thoughts of "what would Dad have thought" while you cheer. This is a special moment of honor and remembrance for you.
I am still trying to figure out a way to get down there tomorrow night if Bethel wins. Dumb Upward awards night! My kids want to skip it and go to the Bethel game!
Cheer on the Pilots for me. Wish I could be there. I will be watching from Goodman. my parents said they will get the mail.
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