Another fun and exciting season of Upwards is now in the books! This is the last year that Bryon will coach all three. He has been Matthew's coach for 7 years!
There were many highlights, but perhaps my favorite story of all is about Thomas. Thomas has been playing on Bryon's teams since he was 4 years old. He has always been a pretty good player, but he was on fire all season this year! There were four teams in the division, and several weeks ago, he played against a team that lost 34-4. Several kids on the team were teary eyed and deflated since they had only won 1 game in 5. Thomas looked at Bryon and said, "I want to help that team out." It was worked out with the other coach (friend of ours from church) that Thomas would switch with the coach's son for the final three games of the season. He ended up scoring between 10-18 points per game the last three games, some shots from beyond mid court, and his new team won their final 3 games! I was proud of Thomas's athletic accomplishments this season, but more proud of his tender heart and selfless attitude.
Mary Beth also did really well this year. She scored 1-4 baskets every game and loved every minute of it. Bryon ADORED coaching the little girls again. Such a contrast from those competitive boys games!
Matthew had a disappointing season this year. There were only 2 teams in the division, and Matthew's team lost every game! Oh, the agony! Oh, the humility! Matthew was the only 6th grader on his team, and it was pretty painful to watch, but it was always fun watching Matthew play. He has become quite the 3 point specialist and had more 3 point baskets than 2 point baskets this year.
And then there is Bryon! I don't brag on him too much on this blog, but I will say that he is quite the Upwards celebrity. He has a knack balancing encouragement with pushing the kids to do their best. Despite the fact that teams are formed by the computer, he always gets requests to be on his team. I am so proud of him! It took lots of patience, time, and vocal strength to coach all three kids this year (practice from 6-9pm every Thursday after longs days in trial), and he loved every minute of it!
Thomas guarding his best bud, Noah, playing against his original team.
These two teams played against each other every week. Mary Beth is playing on the opposing team in this pic, since they were short handed the last game.
Bryon lets the girls "dunk" in the last half of the last game. Mary Beth got very into it!
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