It is downright astounding what an effect a leathery, little funny-shaped oblong ball can have on
human beings this time of year. People who would normally greet you with the standard
rhetorical query dealing with the price of gas, or how’s your Momma doing or how ‘bout them Dawgs, are now switching over to “hey man, what’s up with those Tigers”? It’s not that the Swainsboro High School football programs haven’t always been pretty good, it’s just that now, the Tigers are about to hop on a bus and head to Atlanta to play for the State Championship and now, just about everybody from Stevens Crossing down to Wesley knows the names of the guys on the line, in the backfield, and on special teams. I even heard two ladies in church discussing which Tiger receiver had the best time in the 40-yard dash. That’s what high school athletics does, especially in small towns. It brings pride and focus to who we are and what we are capable of, not just on the field but everywhere. When you can have programs in the schools that bring that sort of credit to the entire community, it’s a positive thing for all concerned. Because that sort of credit and spirit comes from hard work, dedication, cooperation and a sense of loyalty, not just from a football team but also from school administration, classroom teachers, cheerleaders, bandmembers, students and of course, all the Moms and Dads and all the other fans. And when that credit results in more exposure and more appreciation for the entire school system and its mission, then that’s like winning the lottery with a super multiplier winning number to go with it.
We earnestly hope the final score on Thursday night will shower glory all over our Swainsboro High School Tigers, but if not, this team’s performance during the season has already claimed a place in SHS annals and made a name for them, for this school system and for the community they call home. But don’t take all this the wrong way. We know we are good, but now we need to show the rest of the state. I have an old cap that says Swainsboro Tigers, 2000 State Football Champions. I think its time for a new hat, and like an old football coach I knew always loved to say, “You don’t carry the ball like a loaf of bread, and you don’t tackle a man around his shoulders, and you don’t ever quit ‘til you win. Congratulations and Let’s Go Tigers!
