Taylor’s team lost last night in the opening round of the NAIA National soccer tournament. And, Taylor’s team found something too. They were lost and found.
They lost to Vanguard University from southern Cali. IWU out-shot them 21-5 and shots on goal 13-2. Neither team, however, could bury one in the net. So, the game would be decided by penalty kicks where Vanguard would make 4 to IWU’s 3 and the season was suddenly over. Taylor’s team dominated the game and yet came up empty. Taylor had two shots himself with one on frame. He played hard as did his opponent. Both sides gave a full effort and had the crowd jumping to it’s feet on occasion after occasion. It was a good game. Taylor’s team lost. Good.
Taylor’s team found. IWU and Taylor found something out about themselves this season. They handled adversity and victory. One didn’t kill them and the other didn’t save them. As I watched them gather with their opponent last night and lock arms around the men they had just battled with for 120 minutes, I saw hurting and happy men uniting. I heard the opponents coach offer up his thoughts to our players and thank them for a great effort and great sportsmanship. I watched the coaches hug one another – the players followed suit. And, I watched Taylor and his teammates linger together a bit longer and hold onto each other, not quite wanting the moment or the season to leave them. That moment passed. That moment was last night. Taylor and his team lost.
And, Taylor and his team found. Taylor and his team found the real meaning of sport is to compete hard, to the fullest of one’s capable effort and leave it all on the field of play. And, win or lose, focus on how you play the game. Lost and found is still FM, baby. Last night Taylor and IWU enjoyed the “and.” They lost and found out something about themselves. Good. One of my Dad’s favorite quotes seemed to come to me as I processed the learning last night. Here it is, Tay, and those still paying attention…
“For when the ONE Great Scorer comes to mark against your name – He writes not that you won or lost – but how you played the game.” Grantland Rice
Well said, Grantland. Well played, Tay and team. Well played Vanguard soccer. Well played…
BUILT TO LEAD 