There were many memorable moments at the Class III-A sectional track meet at Batavia High School June 10, and my favorite occurred at the high jump, where I was lending a hand.
Hundreds of athletes and coaches from a dozen area high schools participated in the meet, and the top finishers will compete at the state championship meet June 17-19 at Eastern Illinois University.
Temperatures were in the mid-80s here, and it was a bit hotter on the track. There was no shade, and the winds were calm. The elements were unusual for sectional competitions, which were conducted in early May in pre-Covid-19 days. But things are different this year.
The moment that stood out for me involved an athlete who had narrowly missed qualifying for the state championship. His disappointment was obvious. He sat down on the hot surface near the high jump pit and cried.
Protocols today require fans to be kept at a distance from the competitors, and parents are restricted to a designated viewing area. I noticed one man waving his arms to get my attention and figured he was related to the athlete. I waved him through and learned he was the boy's father. I stood by while Dad consoled his son.
The boy talked about how the loss ended his season and probably his competitive career. "I wanted this so much," I heard him say.
Dad wrapped his arms around his son and said, "Listen to me. I love you. You're my son, and I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you."
I felt I was intruding, but was required to stand by. The boy pulled a towel over his head. Dad leaned toward his son and whispered something and then looked at me and nodded me over. I helped Dad get his son on his feet and saw them off.
I know Dad would rather have been congratulating his son on reaching the state championship, but there he was doing what dads do at such moments. He was reassuring his son that disappointment is not the end, but part of life.
And Dad reminded his son he was valued and loved, not for winning ribbons and trophies, but for being a son.
As we approach Father's Day, I thought the episode a valuable reminder that one of the greatest contributions a father makes is to offer his children encouragement, support and perspective during challenging times.
-- Thank you for reading. kbotterman@gmail.com
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