When I sit next to football players in class, they’ll have bruises on their hands and arms, and they’ll tell me how a lineman landed straight on their fingers. They’ll wear a sling or an ankle brace, and limp off the field during a game just to hop back in ten minutes later. They show what true dedication looks like and always give it their all. 

When a player gets an interception and starts running, his team mates freak out and cheer him on along the sidelines, and when he gets a touchdown, they all crowd around and jump for joy. Sometimes, when things go wrong, frustration boils over, and the players not only lash out at one another, but also at themselves. They react extremely, for the good and the bad.

After a tough defeat by Copper Hills, I approached the West Jordan team managers, who busied themselves by dumping the water bottles into the turf. Many of them cried with each step the football players took off the field, but they continued with their work. I got the privilege of talking to Abby Foltz, a Junior who helps manage the team, after this rough game. Abby explained that the girls weren’t upset at the loss – instead, they were upset about how harshly the players treated themselves. She said “I wish they could see what I can see when they practice. They’re so hard on themselves for no reason.” 

This is an issue with no clear solution. There’s a fine line between supportive enthusiasm and burdening expectations from friends, team mates, and adults in these boys’ lives. According to a poll taken before the game against Copper Hills, eighty percent of students reported that West Jordan would win. What really is the difference between those who believe in your success and those who expect it? Is the only difference the mentality of the players?

These young men train and toil in the elements to win, and it doesn’t always go right. Sometimes, our boys lose.  But with every drop of sweat and every tackle and every bruise, there are people like the managers who notice and respect the players and their commitment to the sport. When players get upset, there are people who get upset with them and for them. These boys are more than their wins and their losses. They are meaningful students and admirable examples of devotion at West Jordan Highschool. 

GO JAGS!!! <3