The "T" in Team

This week, the University of Chicago played their last football game of the season. It was a good season and ended on a winning note with a 24-7 win over the Tartans of Carnegie-Mellon. Both schools have a rich history of academic excellence. The University of Chicago has a storied football past as a charter member of the Big Ten and boasts the first Heisman Trophy winner in Jay Berwanger.

Yesterday's game was a match up of two Division III teams, neither a powerhouse, but neither a doormat. It was a good game on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Chicago. As an added bonus, the Maroons (University of Chicago) honored their six seniors who played their last game. For many Division III schools, there are fewer seniors due to the changing priorities, schedules and injuries. A freshman class of 20 may net out to few than 10 seniors. Most who play Division III are student athletes looking to play another 40 games, enjoy the fraternity of the team, and want an athletic outlet for their competitive drive. Maroon football does all that and more. While most think they could have won a couple more games, it was still a successful season. They were 5-4, celebrated their 40th anniversary of bringing football back (follow this link to a great story on espn.com), and many team members won league and Division III honors.

More than all the successes listed, Joan and I were delighted at the spirit and dedication of a number of players. They aren't starters, but they make the starters better; they play sparingly, but they play with heart; they cheer from the sidelines, but when they're in the game, their teammates cheer heartily for them. These are the teammates every organization needs. They are the proud, the dedicated, service oriented men and women that don't get the limelight, but don't mind sharing it for their team or organization. They know the harder they work, the better the team performs. They are students of the game, the organization and their profession. They are the "T" in team.

Joan and I are proud to be parents of a University of Chicago football player and student. We are also proud of his contributions to his team.