From the Pulpit: Friday night lights and prayers
Last Friday, like any other Brandon Valley Lynx fan like myself, many ventured into Sioux Falls to cross town rival Bishop O’Gorman as our varsity football team took on the Knights. I can honestly say that as I entered the stadium in my priest attire, most people thought I was going to be sitting on the O’Gorman side. Much to their surprise, but not to my flock at Risen Savior in Brandon, I was heading over to the visitor’s section to cheer on the Lynx! Most of the first-half of the game went back and forth with a very close score. Despite the desire for victory, I noticed throughout the first half the great sportsmanship that was displayed by both teams. Opposing teammates helping each other up off the ground after a tough run, missed pass or a rough tackle.
The first half was tight, but to me something seemed different. At one point the announcer directed everyone’s attention to a young man in a wheelchair on the O’Gorman sidelines, a senior who had been involved in a vehicle accident earlier this year. All fans in attendance and the football teams recognized his presence at the game. It was a great display of friendship and concern for an injured classmate. I was hoping to be able to see the entire game but had to leave early to go to a POW/MIA recognition ceremony at Veteran’s Park in Sioux Falls. As I walked around the track at halftime, an O’Gorman fan pointed out to me a sticker that was on every helmet of the Knights - CG. Coach Garrow. I have never met the coach myself, but anyone who is a sports fan in the state of South Dakota knows about the health challenges he experiences.
My first encounter with him was when he carried out the game ball to start the Pigskin Classic to the roar of the Brandon Valley crowd. What a tribute the Knights players gave to this man who has coached Brandon Valley football for years. As I drove to Veterans Park, I kept thinking something was about this game is different. The POW/MIA remembrance was very powerful and uplifting, remembering all those who died in defense of our country whose remains have never been recovered or those who are still prisoners of war.
Once the ceremony finished up, I texted a few friends about the outcome of the game. Who won? Who will get to wear the crown of victory? The Lynx or the Knights? Eventually, I got an answer of our Brandon Valley Lynx victory – Go Lynx – but only after my phone was bombarded by two images seared into my mind. The photos were taken at the end of the football game. It showed both teams, Brandon Valley and O’Gorman Knights players, intermixed on the field at the 50-yard line kneeling down in prayer – together. Warriors on the gridiron, trying to throw each other to the ground and cross the opposing team’s goal line were now kneeling together in brotherhood and prayer.
This game was different. Of course, both teams wanted to win, but these young men also realized there is much more to life than a football game. Sometimes it’s bigger than just a game.
Over the weekend as conversations were brought up about the game, the score and the victor were lost in the overwhelming heartfelt moments that occurred during, but particularly after the game. What a testament to our Brandon Valley students, faculty, parents and community. It makes me proud to be a Brandon Valley Lynx!
