Just enjoying the game of football
A scouting trip at a high school jamboree was decidedly satisfying
At the risk of repeating myself, my life of 35 years as a sportscaster has made for unusual limits on personal sports experiences. For the hundreds of games that I’ve attended to broadcast the event, I can only count a handful of times that I was simply a spectator. That small number is on me—trying to restrict extra time away from home and family. But limiting those opportunities also restricted the joy of my fandom.
Retirement and an empty nest have been game changers—if you will excuse the pun. With my bride’s blessing, I embarked on a short trip Friday night to a football jamboree, where four teams squared off in controlled scrimmages. The field was split in two, the teams squared off at each end, then switched opponents once for another set of game plays. I hadn’t been at a jamboree in 20-plus years, if memory serves me.
There was no need for an early arrival time to set up and test broadcast equipment, no need to interview coaches, and no focused analysis from the press box. Instead, I meandered into the stadium maybe thirty minutes before the start of festivities. That afforded me time for a needed bathroom break.
Up next was a quick walk on the field, greeting coaches I knew and introducing myself to others. One of the coaches had known my late father when they both coached in the Salem area. A nostalgic moment to be sure. Wearing a media pass allowed for this intrusion on the field of play. I even got to have some friendly banter with the athletic director hosting the event. He and his staff are to be commended for a smoothly-run evening.
Next up was “dinner.” Not anything my cardiologist would recommend, but a quality hot dog and bottled soft drink from the concessions stand for the bargain price of five dollars. I can report the hot dog (with ketchup and sweet relish) was tender and tasty, and the soda washed it down nicely.
Before consuming said meal, there a break to take part in the national anthem—something not always possible while taking a commercial time out during radio broadcasts. I was very happy to see everyone around me, even teens in attendance, stop to salute the flag. Call me a flag-waving patriot.
Making my way to a seat in the old wooden stands, it was heartening to see dozens of families in attendance. Some were young families with two or three kids and another one obviously on the way—with parents carrying diaper bags and pushing all manner of strollers. There were also grandparents and other older friends or relatives—some using canes, still others with wheelchairs and even an oxygen tank or two. All with smiles as they looked intently to find their favorite player on the sidelines.
The public address announcer worked diligently to describe the dueling “games” at each end of the field, rotating between the plays to keep the crowd updated. A big salute to that unidentified voice in the press box.
After spending some time in the crowd, I wandered back down to the sidelines. There were brief conversations with coaches from a Salem-area team in attendance and some general observations about the progress being made by the players. Abbreviated injury reports were shared—nothing of major concern, but notable because it is the first stint of action.
Jamboree events are aimed at giving teams a gradual start to their football seasons. But teams were going at it with full force and enthusiasm. There were a handful of good hits and spectacular plays that generated cheers or similar sounds of appreciation from the crowd. That was good practice for the fans as well.
Also getting their first experience of the football season were the officials—many of whom will be enduring extra duty during the course of the regular season. I sarcastically cautioned them before the action began not to pull anything—muscle wise. They assured me that caution would be exercised. They all seemed to escape injury.
When all the plays were finally completed, there was no actual audience applause, but a look of gratitude was on the faces of many in attendance. The jamboree was a promise of things to come for each team and every fan. A warm-up now completed.
For me personally, it was a chance to again absorb the essence of the game without the distraction of broadcast preparation and presentation. The sights, the sounds, the smells, even the tastes of the gridiron experience in a mostly unadulterated form.
I am glad I was there. I hope you all get to appreciate the contagious energy of prep football this season.
Nothing better than Friday Night Lights! I am usually drawn to a local game every Friday. I love the feelings and sights of the game. I like to find a corner of the stadium and be anonymous to be able to really watch the players execute their assignments! I also observe how the coaches interact with their players. I often will ask a person/parent which jersey number is their kid. That often gets them to say many words about football….then I eventually fade away to another corner of football field. I suppose this old former football coach will always be drawn to the lights on Fridays until he can’t.
Thanks for another great article! Keep having fun!