B-ball's Greatest Truth - Difference Between Us'ns & Them'ns

by ed riley copyright 2002

Back when I was coaching my daughter's 4th, then 5th, then 6th grade teams, post-game attitudes were, well ..... Let me just describe a typical converation after a loss.

"Crash, you know what we could have done to win that game?" I would ask her.

"Dad, can we stop for ice cream?" was one response. OR

"Can I spend the night at Susie's?" OR

"Can we go to a movie?"

Here I am with my emotions brimming near overload, and all she wants to know is what's the next fun thing she can do? Sound familiar?

Next we hit the 7th and 8th grade post-loss converations?

"Crash, what did you think of the game?"

"Well dad, we sucked! BY the way, can I get a new dress for the dance Friday?" .... or .....

"Dad, I sure wish everyone would learn the plays! Will you hurry up and get home so I can shower? I'm supposed to meet the gang at the bowling alley in an hour! OH, and can you drive everyone?"

Once they hit high school it does change.

"Well Crash, what did you think of the game?"

"We sucked. No one knows the plays. No one is serious, they laughed and cut up on the bus on the way home. I didn't spend most of my free time since 4th grade playing ball, so I could be with a bunch people who can't even learn the plays. CAN I HAVE $20, we're all meeting at Fridays tonight?" OR

"I'm so mad I don't want to talk about it. Oooouuuu, I'm mad. And Dad, do you think I'm fat? Maybe if I start eating more salads ....."

No wonder adults have ulcers and stomach disorders, and kids don't. We brood, they don't!