Live for the moment

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Two years ago I looked Jimmy Martin in the eye and told him to enjoy his senior season and last year did the same with DJ Hebert. It amazes me how fast time goes by and how I hoped both of them took the time to soak every second up. I have heard from so many players over the years that after their playing days they wish they could have one more snap. That if they could go back and do it over again it would be different because they understand the value of now more than they did when they put that jersey on.

The last time the Orioles took the football field with pads on was November 4, 2011 at Wayzata. Bridge got us off to a great start with a punt return touchdown and the thoughts began to sway toward 'we can play with these guys'. It is what makes football so great. On any given day, a team that might be overmatched suddenly begins to believe and when a group believes together funny things begin to happen. Yes, Orioles nation fell short that night. There are so many things that are going to happen between now and Thanksgiving. No question there will be ups and downs, but there will be moments during this season that the kids will take with them for the rest of their lives. That is why it is so important to stay in the moment.

Cliche?

No question, but it is also reality. I get it. It's tough to look a young man who is 16,17 and 18 in the eye and try to tell them not to look ahead or that they are living the greatest years of their lives. So the answer is unfortunately, no you can't have one more snap, you can't run onto the field one last time and get that amazing feeling that is beyond description. You will always be brothers because you share a bond, but once you take off the jersey for the final time it's over.

Tomorrow the seniors on this team will put pads on for the first time for the last time. Every day that goes by they are one step closer to the end. Tomorrow, I will look someone in the eye and tell them to enjoy their journey. There is none better than the one they are about to travel.