The kids count on their fans, and their parents most of all

The Dogies opened up post-Christmas play last weekend and hosted only their second home game of the year when the Gering Bulldogs came to town on Saturday. 
I took my usual post on the end line with cameral in hand to capture the action, and from my vantage point I almost feel like I’m part of the game. As an added bonus, I get to watch the people in the stands right along with the players. 
The Dogie faithful become the backdrop of the action shots, but they are so much more than that. 
As the boys played in front of a packed house on Saturday night, the energy reverberated between the players on the court and the fans in the bleachers — and that vibe was electric!
There’s just nothing like when the Dome gets to rocking. I’m telling you, when the roar of the crowd fills up that big open space, it’s goosebump-worthy!
One of the things I love to do when the Dogies are on the court is to find the moms and the dads. Anyone who has had a child play sports knows the feeling of sitting in the stands watching them play. You’re excited, you’re nervous and there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than right there as their biggest fan.
It’s easy to see who has a kid in a uniform at any game.
As awesome as it is to play in front of a house full of excited fans, it’s more important for all of those kids on the court to have those parents in the stands. 
Invariably, I see players glancing up as they play and I know they are looking for reactions from their parents — the thumbs up, or quick advice, or just the reassurance that mom and dad are there supporting them in doing what they love.
I remember being a player and looking to find my folks sitting in the stands. I was never disappointed because they were always there. They both worked full-time jobs, but they never missed a game…not for me, nor for my brothers. 
I knew how much that meant to me when I was a kid, and there was never a question whether I would do the same for my children.
As a parent, I sometimes had to divide my time when they played in different venues at the same time, and that was the worst. Missing out on watching them play was hard enough, but the possibility that they would sustain an injury without me there was a real concern. 
That became a reality when my daughter tore her ACL in Buffalo as I was watching my son play in Newcastle. 
I miss the days of getting to watch my kids play, and those will always be among my favorite memories. I also know how much it meant to my kids to have me there. 
If anyone ever doubts whether or not their child cares if they are in the stands or not, I’m here to tell you that it matters and it makes a difference. 
I know it can be hard to be there for every event, especially in the big 3A conference which is spread far and wide, but for those parents who make the effort to be there, know that it means the world to your child that you are their biggest fan.