Last night I attended the 4th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Selma. I was there last year, too, when they honored Annie Cooper, Jean Martin, a young man in high school, and others. I left the event last year, thinking “we need to do this more often.” It was so great to see time set aside to encourage people who are living their lives with integrity. So often it seems like people nitpick and tear each other down, and it was refreshing to see people being built up.
This year actually topped last year’s experience for me. The story that touched me the most this time was the Concordia Men’s Soccer Team. These guys won the USCAA Men's National Championship, and I don’t think very many people in Selma even knew about it! Their perseverance and heart tugged at me – they fought hard during the season to make it to the championship. They practiced wherever they could find field space, and played their games on a baseball field. Some had to choose the team and school over family to keep playing. And then when the championship came, they didn’t even have enough money to take the trip. They could have given up at many points along the way, but instead they rallied friends, family, and the school to support them, they did fund-raisers, and pulled together enough money to travel.
On the way to nationals, their bus got a flat tire, which set them back several hours. Then when they finally ended the 30+ hour bus trip to Vermont, they had to play the championship game in sub-freezing temperatures. Coming from Selma, I know that’s not an easy thing to do! They fought through snow and injuries to win the game in double-overtime, and put an awesome end to their season.
I love seeing people of courage and perseverance, who will do the right thing. This team came together and played with their hearts, no matter what kind of support they had. They didn’t base any of their efforts on recognition or glory. They just wanted to win. I admire and respect them, and am glad they had a night to honor them!
