The Things I've Learned About Life Through Sports

Sports can be so powerful. They can teach us so much, not only about the game, but about life in general. Sports define teamwork, and what it takes to be successful. They show us how to overcome adversity and endure the greatest of trials. 

I honestly don’t know if there is a more competitive family than mine! Growing up in a family where losing lead (and still does lead) to arguments, fights, not talking to each other for hours after competing, or holding a grudge until the next day, competition with the Opfer’s means everything! In simple terms, we HATE losing.

Growing up, (aside from playing myself) I got the pleasure to learn from watching each one of my siblings compete in their respective sports in high school. I was able to learn a valuable trait from each one that I have been able to carry with me into my future endeavors.

Aaron - Being Ready When Called Upon in Unexpected Moments

It was my brother’s junior year during the football season; he was battling with the senior quarterback for the starting position. With the current senior being the starter the previous season, it was probably likely that the same guy would be the starter for the coming year. However, a scrimmage before the first game would drastically change that. The senior quarterback of the team got injured and would be out for the majority of the regular season. Many within the program may have panicked. My brother had other plans. #13 became the starter and he and the team would never look back. He would not only have an incredible year, but he would help lead the Panthers to the Regional Finals of the playoffs. In all, he seized an opportunity when called upon. He was ready to be the starter from the beginning of the season and that is why he excelled and made the most of the opportunity given.

My brother taught me to always be ready in life. Whether with a job or school, or through the calling of God, we have to be ready to take the next step. We can’t always expect the expected. Many times, we have to expect the unexpected.

“Great moments are born from great opportunity.” – Herb Brooks

Kelsey – Toughness/Sacrifice Defined

If there is one thing I will never forget about my sister from her basketball and softball days; her massive, disgusting bruises. She would come home with bumps and bruises that even football players wouldn't come home with. She was that player that everyone hated playing against because everyone knew she was going to give well over 100% every time she took the court/field. When I went to basketball games, she would be on the floor more than upright. She took charges, was a pest on defense, and out-hustled everyone. In softball, her athleticism took over in center-field. She collided into fences and other players to make plays. She recorded hit after hit and stole bases at an alarming rate. In all, she always sacrificed herself for the betterment of the team. Quite simply, my dad didn’t give her the nickname “bulldog” for nothing.

She taught me that everything we do in life isn't going to be easy. There will be tough patches/times in our lives, but instead of shying away, we must embrace them. We should view them as opportunities to grow rather than letting them bring us down. Overall, we must be willing to give of ourselves in order to be successful.   

"Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness." - Napoleon Hill

Alex - Humble Greatness

HS Basketball District Finals: SMCC vs. Colonel Crawford. The greatest basketball game I will ever witness in person. After being snubbed MVP of the league (S.B.C.) after leading the league in scoring and assists (ranked 5th in rebounding), my brother saved the best game of his career for last. In a game that went back and forth, it seemed like the Panthers were out of it late in the fourth quarter. That’s when #3 put the Panthers on his back. I remember my brother getting fouled on a ridiculous and-1 shot. He sunk the free throw. The very next possession he drilled a three at the top of the key. He continued to make play after play leading his team from down 4 with under a minute, to tied at the end of regulation. He was so determined to get a W that night. In a game that went into double overtime (SMCC lost by 1), my brother unfortunately fouled out early in the first overtime (the foul was called on him even though another player committed the foul). Had he not, I truly believe SMCC would have won the game. My brother was in a zone that night and nothing was going to stop him. The plays he made were miraculous! Take a look for yourself…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoUs89I9axo

The one thing that sticks out about my brother more than anything is just how humble he was/is. He scored 38 points that night, and not once did he mention it or boast about it. He was more disappointed in the loss more than anything. In fact, every time my brother had a great game that season (which was just about every night) he cared way more about winning than any statistical numbers. [I distinctly remember him coming home in bad moods when his team lost.] In all however, he taught me that being humble can translate to greatness.

“Talent is God-given. Be humble.” – John Wooden

Ayden - Adversity Overcome (Defining a Teammate)

If there was a tougher moment I had to endure than my brother’s injury his senior year of his football season, it would be tough to realize. If you know my brother, his passion for the game of football is like no other. He was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. He would study playbooks every night and prepare at a level I had never seen before. He simply loved the game!

Unfortunately, his season took a turn for the worse when he broke his leg during the fourth game and would be sidelined for the duration of the season. Being his brother, this was the first time a significant injury occurred to anyone in our family in our playing careers. It was devastating to know everything he put into the season was wiped away because of a single play (especially with it being his senior year). But the most amazing thing about this whole situation; my brother embraced it. He was extremely disappointed and deservedly so, but he still had the courage to make an impact on the team. One thing I’ll never forget; while having a brace on his leg and being cleared to go home from the hospital, my brother chose to stay there after learning that another teammate was on his way to the same hospital. He defined teammate.

He acted as a coach, continuing to prepare as he did before, and made posters each week with a team motto on them. He was as actively involved after his injury as he was before it. He taught me so much from this incident, but among them was how to be a true teammate in the face of adversity. He could have very easily shut down his season, but he chose to continue his duties to help his team be successful.

This is a picture I took before the game he got injured #57
It looks like there may be the shadow of a face on his right side?

"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are." - Arthur Golden

“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle.” – Mother Teresa

Each of my siblings taught me something different by performing in their respective sports. Being ready, sacrificing, being humble, and overcoming adversity. Sports are more than just competing. They have the ability to teach us about life!