As of the writing of this editorial the election is still to come. But as this is published, the election will be over, Snoqualmie will have a new mayor, as well as new council members. I hope that whomever is elected can reconcile their differences through what lately became a definite mud-slinger of an election. Currently, elected officials endorsing candidates usually spells trouble in allowing a council to become cohesive enough to tackle city issues.
As the election draws to a conclusion, so does a true passion of mine, high school football. But with this season end comes another end, that of a father and son sharing memories on the football field. So please indulge me a bit and let me throw out one last hoorah for some great young people.
Over my 10 years of covering Mount Si football, I have witnessed many parents walk onto the field for senior night, always grateful that I had another season to go. Many parents walk the field, tears in their eyes, realizing this will be the last time they have that honor, with a son playing football.
This year it was our turn, as we had our five seconds of fame and pictures with our son on the field. The problem was, it was the last home game and the end of what has become a huge part of our lives, Mount Si football.
OK, yes, there are bigger issues in the world, or in the Valley for that matter, than the end of a high school football career. But I am guessing that this same scenario has played out in many of your lives, as well.
I really enjoy all high school sports, having taken pictures of Mount Si athletes for a decade. But this group of kids, from that football team and other sports teams with same-aged players, has a special place for our family. I have coached many of them when they were younger. This group of kids is one of the most down-to-earth, respectful, funny and athletic groups of kids I have witnessed. They are always there with a hello or handshake and indulge me when I want to talk about the next week’s game or match.
They are great kids, such as Daniel Lee, who never says a word to an adult, but James says doesn’t stop talking around teammates; Tyler Littlejohn, or “Banjo” as I call him, with sideburns that straight out of Deliverance; Zach Sumer, who can dance around a defense’s secondary and knows how fast any specific car is at the track; Kyle Meyers, the big teddy bear who always has this huge grin on his face and is the original prankster; Eric Forslin, another prankster, but someone you can count on when it’s time to play; Kyle Meuli, one of the best all-around athletes I have ever watched; D.J. Johnston, a great kid who can grow a better beard than I can; Cory Lindberg, a guy who plays with a lot of heart all the time and never gives up; Rollin Smith, who came to Mount Si and invested his heart in the football team; Cody Hyatt, who made an impact as a freshman, punishing receivers and running backs; Erik Alexander, who caught some beautiful passes this season; Randy Ferris, who never was able to play in a game but was an inspiration to many; Levi Nelson, a great young man who made several running backs pay the price of going outside, and finally my son James. You have been a blast to watch all these years. From that 7-year-old whose football knee pads looked better as shin guards, to the man, standing on his tippie toes to look taller than his old man in photos. You really put your heart into achieving your goals and it shows in everything you do. You will make a great impression on the world with many important skills learned on the grid iron. Just please, no cussing at the referees in any potential playoff game.
There are many others at Mount Si who have been fun to watch, and to all, thanks for putting in the effort. I also have to thank coach Charlie Kinnune. You have made a real positive impression on many young men and for that we all thank you. You let a young kid be your ball boy on the sidelines and gave him the inspiration to do what was necessary to start on Friday nights.
OK, enough with the tear-jerking comments, it boiled down to a fun season to watch. Luckily for Karen and I, we have Lynnae and one more year of high school. Fastpitch will be a blast to watch this season with her on the field.
Maybe we should start a group for wayward parents of former high school athletes. Maybe we can watch old videos and reminisce about great plays or dumb pranks. We can have coaches come and pep us up, maybe sitting in a smelly locker room to bring back memories. We can’t be the only parents in this situation. I know that at the very least Val Meyers would join our group.
Go Mount Si!
