By competing in a team sport, individuals must always put their peers first for the betterment of the squad. In doing so, not only is success possibly achieved, but a strong bond between teammates is forged. In the ever growing relationship of a team, as the cohesiveness strengthens, a family like atmosphere takes shape. The sense of obligation that team members have is evident in the amount of time and dedication they commit to one another. That is the beauty of a team sport. Camaraderie is quickly obtained through all facets of commitment such as the prolonged road trips, tough practices, and laughs in the locker room. Moving forward, a team confronts numerous obstacles along its path, with perhaps, none being more difficult than the tragic loss of one of its own. Fully knowing that every person will face the loss of loved ones during the course of his/her life does not make dealing with that hardship any easier.
In dealing with the loss of a loved one, time and recollection heals all wounds. In a team sport, all players can hold onto is the times they have shared together. The schedule does not offer them the chance to obtain peace of mind. Such is the case for two amateur basketball teams, who have faced the tragic loss of a teammate. For Fennville High School, it was a roller coster of a emotions which led to the death of junior stand-out Wes Leonard. After making a game winning shot and leading his team to a 20-0 regular season record, the Michigan high school student collapsed amidst the on-court celebration. The charge that radiated from the crowd and players quickly changed to one of despair and remorse. Despite all efforts to revive the star player, Leonard lost his life to cardiac arrest, caused from an enlarged heart. As a community continues to mourn, the players are in a difficult spot for they need to put the pieces back together at an escalated rate as they prepare for the playoffs.
Members of the Middle Tennessee State University women’s basketball team are still dumbfounded in correlation to the tragic death of junior guard Tina Stewart. According to reports, Stewart and her roommate, Shanterrica Madden, had been in a fight that led up to Stewart being fatally stabbed. Madden has since been charged with the murder which has shocked those in the Murfreesboro area. While all the events leading up to the altercation may never come to light, the ending will never be forgotten. Once again the team admirably pressed on, competing against Arkansas State in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Despite a strong second half effort, the number one seeded Blue Raiders fell 77-62. Now the team’s fate lies in the hands of the NCAA Selection Committee, who will determine the playing field for the upcoming National Championship Tournament.
Tragedy does not discriminate. It will bear its ugly head to each and every one of us throughout the course of our lives. While making the statement, “He would want it that way” may be cliche, it holds a meaning for those of an athletic club. The level of commitment that the lost member displayed to teammates must be carried on by those who are left in the aftermath. A sports team is considered a second family to each and every player and in losing a “sibling” unexpectedly is challenged in an unfathomable way. For a sports team, members are not offered the opportunity to heal traditionally. Instead, they face the tragedy head on with one another, needing the support and love they share to carry them through such a circumstance. In having each other, the team will conquer all and in cases like these, achieve the ultimate goal: finding solace in tragedy.
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