If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. (Abraham Lincoln)

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Above (L to R): Jak Kolb, Cole Metzger, Ty Harrington, Colin Hussey, Zach Thieme

Tom and I took a creative, winding drive to the south side of Indy this morning to watch the Guerin Catholic boys tennis team take on conference rival, Roncalli. It’s not so easy to get there from here with a big portion of the interstate closed for construction. When we arrived, we noticed that one of GC’s best players, Ty Harrington, was taking his jersey off and giving it to a teammate, Colin Hussey. Hmmm. We weren’t sure what was going on.

Colin had made the trip with the team after asking Coach Sciaudone if he could ride along to cheer on the guys. You see, he wasn’t in the lineup for today– at least not originally. However, sometimes life throws curve balls, and in this case a bright yellow one literally struck sophomore Ty Harrington squarely in his left eye during warmups. A trainer was called and Ty was not cleared to play. This left GC in a bit of a predicament at #1 doubles. Enter, Colin Hussey.

Hussey is a sunny, wise-cracking senior who is new to the sport of tennis. He’s the oldest of three Hussey children and has a brother, Devin, and a sister, Shalyn. I’m told Colin is a big Mets fan, and that he enjoys rap music, and playing golf. He’s a parishioner at Holy Spirit at Geist Parish. Colin also knows how to treat younger guys, like my freshman son, Zach, for whom Colin has been incredibly welcoming and encouraging. He smiles a lot. Colin had never previously played in a varsity match, but this morning, Cole Metzger was now in need of a partner.

In high school tennis, there are 5 matches that each count for one point. There are 3 singles matches and two doubles matches. The contest was tied up at 2-2 with GC wins at both #2 singles and #2 doubles on the board. Metzger and Hussey were still on the court playing at #1 doubles against the Rebels. The Golden Eagles needed a win to seal the victory– and the Metzger/Hussey team was able to come through for the team! It was a cool moment and a sports success I know Colin will long remember. The truth is, so will I!

Today, Colin was the epitome of sportsmanship. He showed up early on a Saturday morning to take a long ride on a school bus across town to be a cheerleader for others. When he was needed, he stepped up. It felt providential to me that those two boys at #1 doubles were the ones who were able to secure the victory despite the circumstances. I hated the morning for Ty. However, Ty Harrington really is a fantastic player with a great smile and terrific attitude who will be back, I predict, by the next match.

When everyone is in it together in team sports, when it’s about something bigger than one player, when a selfless, supportive kid like Colin is successful, it’s good for the team as a whole! For me, today was one of those moments in time that remind me what I love about sports. When character and integrity are called forth and young people rise to the occasion, then THAT is what a team is all about– and it glorifies the Lord!

Colin, thanks for reminding us all today what sportsmanship and character are all about! I think all of us down at Roncalli were thrilled to see you get the varsity W!! CONGRATULATIONS AND GO, GOLDEN EAGLES!

“If you can be great teammates, you have a chance to be a great team.” (Diana Taurasi)