Colburn's comments
As you read my account of the Marion-Hoisington varsity football game, you might think Calvin Jeffrey's kickoff return for a touchdown when trailing 41-13 in the game's final seconds was a meaningless score. In terms of the outcome of the game, it was.
In terms of the outcome of the season, however, it might have been one of the most meaningful plays to date.
That play had heart — the heart of a champion. I wish I had a good picture of the middle of Jeffrey's run — the one I have of him fighting through a hit was too blurry because he was too fast, too agile, too determined, too driven for my camera to catch.
It absolutely wasn't Jeffrey's effort alone — it took everyone on that kickoff receive team, giving 100 percent effort, to create the seam Jeffrey slipped through.
This play was the exclamation point to a second half where the Warriors refused to give up on either side of the ball, scoreboard be damned.
The signature phrase of Tim Allen's crew in the space comedy "Galaxy Quest" was "Never give up, never surrender!"
That last minute "meaningless" touchdown was a statement that the Warrior football team has taken that phrase to heart.
On the hardwood of Marion Gymnasium, fans who can look past won-loss records will find signs that the same heart is beating in the Lady Warrior volleyball squad.
The Lady Warriors and their fans have had to seek solace in games, and not matches, in a season most would call dismal in terms of wins and losses.
There have been times when I've seen the Lady Warriors deflated in the middle of an opponent's scoring run, and there have been games when they've simply been outclassed by superior talent.
But they've also played some of the most competitive and spirited games I could ask for.
Council Grove felt that competitive drive when the Lady Warriors matched them shot for shot after having given up an easy first win. Following the match, Council Grove had the look of someone who'd narrowly avoided being hit by an oncoming train.
The 25-20 loss in the fourth game against then top-ranked Hillsboro was thrilling. The Lady Warriors determined to play the game on their own terms, and gave us one of those moments that make high school sports so compelling — a moment where heart matters every bit as much as talent.
Tuesday night was Senior Night for the Lady Warriors, too late to include by this column's deadline. I hope the ovation for these young women was long and loud. Their perseverance, their competitiveness, their heart deserves no less.
If you look for championship trophies to determine the success of our football and basketball teams, it's possible you'll be left disappointed this year.
If you turn away from the glass case and look instead at what these high school athletes have put out there on the field and court, you'll not find disappointment — you'll find champions. I guarantee it, because I've already seen them.
