But as the match proceeded, number nine’s team was losing by about five
points. So the coach deemed this a fair opportunity to return the starter to the
floor. As he walked on to the floor the crowd stood up and wildly cheered for
their hero. Before play began he looked up into the stands and the first face he
saw was that of his mom, whom had tears running down her eyes. Anyone could tell
how proud she was of her son. Play began and number nine slowly worked himself
back into a groove where he soon was dominating play once again. He brought his
team within three points of the state championship, and at this point the coach
decided it was only fair to make sure that all the seniors had played in the
match. So once again number nine found himself sitting on the bench, only being
able to watch the match proceed. But the opposing team slowly made a comeback
and everyone began to worry, if this was going to be the comeback that turned
the match around. But before taking any chances the coach put the original
starting lineup back into play.
Two service aces in a row brought the team to match point. A tough serve
caused the opposing team to mishandle the ball and easily return it over the
net. This set up a perfect opportunity to end the match. The ball slowly was
passed from one player to the setter, everything seemed like it was going in
slow motion, as if a little child had gotten a hold of the V.C.R. remote control
and was sporadically pushing the buttons like it was a Nintendo controller. The
setter took the ball and set it high into the air, number nine took one step and
with a giant leap off of his good foot he struck the ball with such force it
looked as though someone had taken the remote and switched from slow motion to
extreme fast foreword. Within a blink of an eye the ball had hit the floor. At
this instant the stadium erupted. The fans all rushed the floor and hoisted the
some of the players in the air. This is the moment that they had all worked so
hard for. It seemed like just a dream. But amidst all of this wild merriment,
number nine looked up at the ceiling just to take a moment to thank god for
everything he had been given. He knew he was a lucky individual and what he had
just accomplished, some kids can only dream of. So now every time I look down at
my ring finger on my right hand, I am constantly reminded of how just how lucky
I am. That is why I never take my 1999 State Championship volleyball ring off,
because if I did I might forget how grateful I should be for my god given gifts
and talents.
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