A drive through Washington, Iowa will show you a town with spirit.
A Friday night football game will show you a team with heart.
Here in Washington our season doesn’t really have a beginning or ending. Yes, games start in August and end a couple of months later, but for the Washington Demons it’s a year-round commitment. Coaches commit to the players, players commit to the game and the fans commit to the team.
Friday night lights actually begin on Thursday. Through donations and volunteers the coaches, players and cheerleaders all gather for a meal.
Friday morning shirts and ties or game jerseys announce an away game or home. The players fill the halls alongside school colors worn by teachers and students alike, supporting their team.
Friday nights we start arriving. Not one by one but family by family. Old and young. Parents, grandparents and alumni are all greeted by the smell of a charcoal grill and fresh popped corn.
Players and coaches ready themselves. The stands begin to fill. Students sporting team spirit take their section. Moms pull out cameras to watch behind lenses. Dads talk anxiously, proudly wearing orange and black. The band booms its arrival and the cheerleaders line up.
With unity from the locker room the players rush the field. The roar of the crowd fills the night air and we are ready for some football. We proudly listen to our American Anthem. Nerves rattling and excitement fills us all.
Finally the game gets underway. Chanting from the students, cheering from the squad and we all become one voice full of spirit. The hours of weight lifting, game viewing and practice all come together for 48 minutes of physical contact.
Six, seven and for some eight years of playing together shows us how far they’ve come. From boys watching a play to young men, each with their own assignments, executing a play. Making it happen and celebrating when it does.
As the buzzer signals the end of the game sportsmanship comes first. Both teams shake hands, then it’s time to celebrate.
With voices hoarse and cameras full, the proud supporters watch as the players circle up to spell out their school mascot and do “Demon Jacks” then rush together, helmets held high.
This team with heart has been a joy to watch. Realizing each other’s strengths, encouraging each other and congratulating one another. Knowing it’s not an individual sport. They are a team.
This town with spirit will travel. We will bring our cameras, wear our school colors and support our team that has made us all proud.
Washington Demons, you have accomplished so much. Show us your heart and we’ll show you our spirit.
Jessica Waite
Published in the Washington Evening Journal
November 20, 2013
