Finish line in sight

We’re at the time of year when it feels like hitting the fourth quarter of a championship game and the clock is ticking down to zero. 

As the weather starts to warm up, it feels like the adrenaline rush of the final lap of a very long race, and I’m dreaming more and more of that sweet summer victory. This year, though, it seems like the game has gone into overtime or extra innings, and the clock is ticking down slower than usual. 

I can visualize the bright flowers, ripe tomatoes, and lush basil (that I’m itching to plant) waiting for me — like a winning play waiting to unfold.

I yearn to set up my outdoor furniture and bask in the glory of my back patio, much like celebrating a hard-fought game with teammates after a big win. 

I crave those lazy mornings, sipping coffee as I relax on that patio, like soaking in the applause after crossing the finish line.

But here I am, still with four more weeks until I can fully enjoy that victory! 

As a teacher, I know I’m not alone in this fourth-quarter struggle. I see my students itching to dash to the great outdoors, longing for that same summer sweetness that makes everything feel like a home run.

We’re tired.

It’s been a grind for eight and a half long months (that have honestly seemed to pass by in a flash). But now it’s time to dig deep and really give it everything we’ve got to finish the game strong.

It’s times like these that I recall the 1990 Dogie State Champion basketball team. Even though living in Newcastle, Wyoming, wasn’t even close to being on my radar at that time, it is a story of legend that I draw upon to give me inspiration when I need a little more oomph.

Let me take you back: After defeating Torrington three times during the regular season, the Dogies found themselves down 20 points against the Trailblazers with 6:48 to play in the championship game. 

Troy Allen, who played in that legendary contest, admitted to feeling defeated, but then two back-to-back threes by Newcastle ignited a spark of hope in the team that they were still in it!

Methodically and consistently, the Dogies climbed out of the hole they had dug for themselves and made up those 20 points by the end of regulation.

In overtime, the team won the game and hung the only basketball state championship banner on the wall of the Dogie Dome. 

Those young men dug down, found the grit and determination to push through, and kept their eyes on the prize. 

In these final four weeks, our teachers, students and our spring sports programs find themselves in their final push, or their seventh-inning stretch, so to speak. 

Only a couple weeks remain for tracksters to pre-qualify for the state meet, both the girls and boys soccer teams are entering the second half of their season where claiming conference wins are imperative in securing a state tournament berth, and golfers hold out hope that Mother Nature will be kind in granting them the opportunity to compete.

We all need to draw from that 1990 team who proved that finishing strong pays off.