Traveling to face the top-ranked Fergus High School’s basketball team, the young Golden Bears face a daunting task. In the middle of the third quarter, the home team Eagles begin to assert themselves on their way to an exponentially growing lead.
Seeing the score heading toward a lop-sided conclusion, Coach Pete calls a much-needed timeout. As he gathers his players around him, the twinkle in his eyes connects with each of his unseasoned players.
Deep inside of the sideline huddle, Coach Pete’s animated gestures and persuasive voice mesmerize every player. Everyone’s attention is focused on him, except for the team’s manager.
The team has been huddled up far too long, and one of the officials comes over, “Coach, let’s play.” Given the intensity of the timeout’s atmosphere, no one hears the official’s whistle.
The timeout continues as the coach diagrams one final play to run when the players return to the floor. Hopefully, a basket will calm the rising tide of the game’s scoreboard.
The manager suddenly interrupts, “Hey Coach.”
Coach Pete is just beginning to wrap up his final exhortation.
The manager pipes in again, “Hey Coach!”
Turning to face the manager, the coach impatiently asks, “What?”
“They just scored!”
Coach Pete and his bewildered players jump up to see the opposing team at the far end of the basketball court, just as the scoreboard registers another two points for the Eagles.
The official runs by the team’s huddle and tells them that they have possession of the basketball, but they better hurry up. Another delay will turn the ball over to the Eagles with another opportunity to score.
As the Golden Bears return to the floor, their growing confidence emulates from the twinkle shining from Coach Pete’s eyes.
Big Sky Buckeye 