The Banquet

It’s important to me to fill you in on the varsity football banquet ASAP.  So many of you were kind to ask about it in your replies to the “Handshake” blog yesterday.  You’re so sweet!  Your concern is so heartwarming.  I didn’t get home until almost midnight and was way too tired to talk about the evening with the care it deserves.  What a special night! :-)

I did have a case of nerves before heading out the door Thursday night… I knew it was going to be wonderful but I was afraid for it to end so I didn’t want it to begin.  Kind of like anticipating Christmas or my Birthday! (I’m weird, I love my birthday). .. How could the night be anything less than terrific though? I shouldn’t have been nervous.  It was fabulous!  Christopher would have had a blast.  Actually, I bet Chris DID have a blast.  It was obvious he was in the room; I could feel his presence as could so many others.  The food was plentiful, the room was decorated beautifully and there was happiness in the air. 

Chris couldn’t wait for the senior banquet to arrive and he talked about it with me a couple of times in November.  We were brainstorming about what the coach’s gifts would be.  The team captains have the fun task of going shopping together for gag gifts.   
They did a great job of presenting some light-hearted toys to the coaches and poking fun at them. Coaches have quirks and habits too just like players do!   

The captains get time at the banquet to turn the tables and poke fun on behalf of the team and they did a great job!  Very funny stuff!  Chris would have been impressed!  As the captains shared stories about the coaches and handed over their gifts it dawned on me that Chris had mentioned to me a gift for Coach McQuade that wasn’t given to him.  So… I’m purchase and deliver it myself.  I only wish I fully knew what it meant but I’m sure the other linemen will fill me in.  Hang tight Coach McQuade, there’s one more gift on the way.  (I bet the boys are wondering now too)…

This season’s football banquet happened to be a bit different in format due to the passing of Chris.  There was a beautiful tribute to him and a video as well.   I’ll post the links for those later once they’ve been uploaded and if you’re interested you can watch. 

A special thank you to Christopher Miller, a player on the team, who put the video together.  What talent!  Are you going to film school???

During the tribute, Coach Clawson talked about the character and support Chris provided to the team.  How he watched over the players, especially the sophomores and led them onto the field when they were sometimes apprehensive and unsure of themselves.  Chris knew what it felt like, he too played as a sophomore and was scared to take to the varsity field with players that were as much as three years older than he was. 

It was intimidating and he remembered the feelings so he was aware of how the younger guys felt.  When Chris spoke to the players in the locker room it was always with a purpose, not just for the sake of talking.  He adored the sport and he wanted 100% from everyone for the betterment of the team.  It seems they listened.  Each of the forty-five varsity players last night was engaged and emotional during the tribute.  Mike and I have never felt such love and affection for our son.  How blessed we are!

In the seventeen short years of Chris’ life he left a legacy behind.  His name will forever be a part of the Shenendehowa football program and a new tradition will begin this fall in his honor!  He never missed a year from kindergarten on up.  He played other sports as well but none of them stuck like football did.  You know how some teams have a ritual before taking to the field?  Well, the SHEN varsity team will have a wall plaque installed by the doorway of the locker room to touch and chant to on their way out to the field.  How nice is that?!  Thank you coaches for surprising us with this heartfelt new tradition!!  We can’t wait to see what the finished plaque looks like when it’s installed and I hope to watch the varsity team of 2013 on the night of the first game when this new tradition takes form.

A new award has been added to Shenendehowa  varsity football forever more as well.  “The Chris Stewart Memorial Award”.  Mike and I had the pleasure of helping to formulate the criteria for earning it. “This person must show a great love and respect for the Junior Plainsman players.  He must display a great amount of respect for his teammates and opponents and be a great role model committed to help mentor and guide underclassmen during their transition to varsity football”.   

The award winner for the preliminary season was #51, Brian Shellenback!  Congratulations Brian!!! :-)

The coach’s had team shirts made especially for the players.  These are special, they’re not for sale, they’re not mass produced and you can’t buy one.  The group intended to wear this tee shirt are the elite group of forty-five who complemented Chris on the field.  How considerate and generous to give the players a bit of Christopher to keep forever.

There were some wonderful awards given out during the evening and Chris was fortunate to receive “The Lou Gerard Outstanding Lineman Award” for his dedication and achievement.  Mike and I were more than pleased to step forward on our son’s behalf and accept the gold football Chris was hoping to one day to receive.  Well done Chris!  You deserved that gorgeous trophy!!  You make us so proud.

It was a wonderful, full evening of emotions and joy.  I was happy to speak for a few minutes about my son and I had the opportunity to address the players, parents, coaches, cheerleaders, staff and families.  I thought I’d never be able to get the words out, especially since I was unprepared and didn’t expect to speak.  Somehow I managed to take a look out at the crowd, and in the quickest of moments my mind eased and I thought to myself “be calm… these are Christopher’s friends, why be scared?” so I managed to feel comforted.  Thanks Chris!  He gave me the strength to stand up tall and thank each one of them for their gift of loving my son.   

They wouldn’t hurt if they didn’t care.  And they care a lot.  I couldn’t be more proud to belong to the Shenendehowa school district and in particular this football family.  I can understand why Chris loved going to school and why he always lingered and was one of the last kids to leave.  It makes perfect sense.  It was a fantastic night.

Thank you for reading.