By

Michael G. Rayel, MD


“After five weeks of intense training, the Tigers are now prepared to face stiff challenges. I’m proud and amazed how they have improved their play and attitude along the way.

Win or lose, the Tigers will represent CMS and our town with utmost vigor and enthusiasm. I’m sure that this experience will expose them to healthy competition and will give them more avenues for growth.”

This is a segment of the letter I wrote to Mr. Pardy, the Principal of Clarenville Middle School (CMS), a day before we left for the big tournament in the province.

It all began last year. I received an e-mail about a competitive basketball tournament scheduled on Feb. 7 to 10 for Boys Under 12 “Level A.” This level is considered the most competitive and intimidating. I’ve always known that our basketball team CMS Tigers has some of the best players in the area. But this same team has 50% beginners in its roster, players who still have to learn the basics of shooting, dribbling, and rebound from the first day of practice.

After discussing with Fred Davis (the second CMS Tigers coach) about the upcoming tournament, we agreed to join this competitive event. We decided to play against the best players and most feared teams in this province.

As coaches, we have a crucial role in shaping the positive mindset and attitude of our players through fun and healthy competition.

Besides, I believe that as coaches we have the responsibility to expose our players to more challenges, to discover our players’ commitment, to motivate them to work harder, and to inspire them to set bigger goals. As coaches, we’re not just teaching them the game of basketball. Indirectly, we’re teaching them the game of life.

So why not join?

Soon, we began our quest for that elusive win. Our intensive three-day-a-week training started last week of Dec. 2007 and continued until Feb. 06, 2008. Rain, shine, or snow, we were in the gym. Through sweat, pain, and occasionally tears, players absorbed information like a sponge. Learning plays and strategies became part of their weekly routine. What they were supposed to learn in two years, they tried to absorb in five weeks. Whew!

The day of reckoning came on Feb. 08. Our first game started at 4:30 pm. Even before the game began, I could feel the tensed atmosphere. For a short while, the CMS Tigers looked like kittens. Against unknown faces and aggressive basketball team, they didn’t gel as smoothly and cohesively just like in practice. For a while, they appeared unsure of themselves. After a few minutes of running around, they came out of their shell and showed everyone how good they were. They made shots one after another. After the half, the Tigers were ahead in points. Amazing!

But as the game unfolded, the Tigers were getting tired and the opposing team caught up and eventually won by a few points. It was a difficult loss but I later learned the winning team had been practicing together for the past five years as part of their basketball program.

Two hours later, the Tigers were up against the best team in the province. The opposing team’s best player stands 5’10” and their other good players stand more than 5 feet. Compared to our players with an average height of less than 5 feet, they were giants. It was like David playing against Goliath in the basketball court. For some players, it was daunting . . . and humbling. The game’s result was already decided even before the game began. It was a no contest.

But like David, the Tigers played hard unmindful of the obstacles before them. They made and missed shots, blocked the ball, dribbled from end to end, defended the lane, and rebounded. They showed their best efforts despite overwhelming opposition. They showed unrelenting courage.

In the third game, the Tigers showed the same fervor and intensity but the result was the same. And yet they still revealed big smiles after. The Tigers lost against teams that were training and playing competitively for several years.

I’m not making excuses but the better teams won and I accept that. What I’m amazed about the whole experience is what CMS Tigers have become because of it.

The Tigers have prepared and worked hard. They have shown courage despite strong competition. They have displayed sense of humor in the face of defeat. Without reluctance, they have faced obstacles and have taken risks.

The game of life is a lot like the game of basketball. Life is not just about winning. It’s about courage and persistence in facing the Goliaths of our lives. It’s about willingness to sacrifice. It’s about discipline, focus, and teamwork. It’s about sharing a smile despite a loss. It’s about setting a goal with the intent of reaching it. It’s about attitude.

As far as I’m concerned, the Tigers have taught me more than I’ve taught them. Indeed, the Tigers are inspired . . . and inspiring. We’re so proud of you!

Clarenville Middle School Tigers (present in the competition):
Logan Barrington, Christian Barron, Joshua Brentnall, Jacob Davis, Stephen Davis, Joshua Goobie, Shane Hillyard, Jody Mercer-Miller, Mark Norris, Curtis Pearce, Michael Rayel, Cole Spurrell, Mitchell Vardy, Ryan Wareham, and Daniel Whalen.                                            
 

About the Author:

Dr. Michael G. Rayel — author, game inventor, and psychiatrist — has created the Oikos Game Series to promote emotional health. Since 2005, he has published Oikos’ Insights! as an online resource for personal development. Suggest a topic at www.oikosglobal.com