Spirit is the key to it all
Published 5:32 pm Monday, October 30, 2006
By Staff
A little t. p. on the Neal campus mid-week and nothing at all on the Miller campus - how proud I am of our young folks!
You may have heard all you care to hear about this cross-creek rivalry, but I hope that you'll indulge me for a few moments to brag on the young people in these two cities.
I know that when I was a student at W.S. Neal, what transpired during the week of the Neal-Miller (not Miller-Neal) game was more flamboyant than what we have seen this week. Now, mind you, I was not involved in any of the egg throwing, toilet paper rolling or dead flower delivering as a student. It wasn't so much that I didn't want to be involved; it was because I wasn't allowed to be involved. Then, it was disheartening to have my mother waiting on me after band practice each night that week to make sure that I went straight home. I also didn't like the fact that my folks usually showed up for the bonfire that used to be a tradition on the Thursday night before the game.
Things have certainly changed over the years, and I am certainly proud of the way students have come to handle the whole thing.
I'm sure there has been some good spirited ribbing. It's certainly to be expected. Shoot, I've even been in on a little of that myself this week.
As I write this column, the game is yet to be played. I'm sure you've probably figured out that I am an Eagle alumnus and am proud of it. I don't bleed blue but I do have more than just a little Eagle pride.
Everyday, I work with, talk to and do business with people who have connections to each school. I have a respect for everyone; regardless of what school they attended.
Funny when you become an adult, the whole rivalry thing isn't quite as important as it was when you were a student.
T.R. Miller and W.S. Neal students, as well as supporters of each team, have shown class, restraint and good manners this week. I'm proud of both sides - no matter who actually ends up with the most points on the scoreboard at the end of the fourth quarter.
T.R. Miller will certainly be in the play-offs and should do very well. W.S. Neal is also headed to the play-offs and may surprise a lot of people with their determination.
Who knows? In just a few short weeks when the play-offs are over, our community may have a state championship team gracing the area.
I appreciate the spirit shown by both schools this week. After all, spirit is the key.
Lisa Tindell is a news writer for The Brewton Standard. She may be reached at 867-4876 or by email at lisa.tindell@brewtonstandard.com.