Half a Notion
CoudyNews.com
by Midge Houghtaling
Yesterday, July 9th, 2011, marked the Second Annual Alumni Football Game in Port Allegany, PA. Several weeks ago, when my son (Ray Morales) told us that he would be joining the Coudersport Falcon Alumni team we marked the date on our calendar. My husband and I think that alumni football is a great idea and we were looking forward to the game. July 9th finally arrived. My husband suited up in his recently purchased alumni t-shirt and I wore one of Ray’s old football jerseys.
I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to sports, but I’ve always enjoyed watching, when I have a kid in the game. Since our youngest boy just turned twenty-nine, it’s been a few years since I’ve been to a high school football game. But, I still remember how it feels to see one of my boys running down the field with the football tucked under his arm and I still remember hearing Ed Easton’s voice booming over the intercom, “That was #45… Ray Morales, on the tackle.” I am not extremely knowledgeable about sports, but I do understand some things and back in the day– there were some great moments.
Yesterday was an opportunity to re-live some of those moments. It was also an opportunity to support local charities (proceeds were split between charities in Port Allegany and Coudersport), and it was an opportunity to see old friends and watch my ten-year old grand-daughter, Keelin, cheering for her dad’s team.
Ray kept the same number that he had in high school, but since everyone apparently kept their same number, there were some duplicate numbers on the field. It was a little confusing, but not terribly, since everyone had their last name printed on the jersey, as well. Ray and Jerrod Renko both wore #10 on their helmets in memory of their classmate, Patrick Ryan.
Coudersport scored the first touchdown in the first quarter of the game and also in the first quarter I heard the announcer say, “… Ray Morales on the take down.” It was a great beginning, but ultimately Coudy lost 47 – 6.
Still– Coudersport fans cheered as the purple jerseys came off the field. I spotted my son and waved. Unlike high school, he walked over to us. I couldn’t help but notice he was smiling. I used to tell him that winning wasn’t everything and I think, maybe… he actually believes it now.
To me they are all heroes– Falcons and Gators, alike. They are heroes because they practiced long, played their best and kept a good attitude. They are heroes because they helped local charities. They are heroes simply because they got in the game. Yesterday, I think, everyone won.
