Your day has finally arrived. No more preparation and planning. It’s time to play.
My advice? Don’t blink because, when you do, it will be over. Blink again. It’s been 10 years since this day. Blink another time. You’re looking back on 20 years. Some of your brothers may no longer be here.
Blink again and it’s been 30 years.
Life is short, legacy is forever.
My favorite movie is “Remember the Titans.” I’m sure you’ve seen it. If the Titans had not won that championship game to complete that perfect season in Virginia, they may still be remembered, but it would be in a different way. And that movie probably never happens.
The same goes for you. The 2023 Raceland Rams will be fondly remembered, no matter what happens today. But win and you’re legendary. You’ve been here before and understand the pain of going home as runnerup, no matter how great an accomplishment that may be. Your community and family will love you regardless of what happens today. You’ve given them lifetime memories and thrills.
Your coach has tested you with a schedule that has few equals. Look back on those games for strength when the game gets tough today. You will need that resolve. You may not have understood it when the game against powerhouses like Fort Thomas Highlands and Lexington Christian, among others, were being played. But today the lessons learned from those games will be something that gets you through the moments of adversity that are sure to come against a great team like Pikeville.
Don’t blink.
I’ve covered some of the great Raceland teams of the past and many had disappointing finishes in the postseason. They had to go through the northern Kentucky gauntlet, so it was hard to get any traction. Things are different now although not easy. All season long, no matter what RPI says, you and Pikeville have been the best teams in Class A. You have made history and now it’s time to do what no other Raceland team has ever done. You will be the standard. Nobody will ever forget these Rams.
It’s only 48 game minutes away.
You may have heard the phrase “luck is when opportunity meets preparation.” I think there’s even more to it. If no action is taken when preparation and opportunity collide, nothing happens. It becomes a lost opportunity, a time when you will have wished you did something. That can also translate into regret.
Don’t regret.
Don’t blink.
And WIN!
Remember every second and let’s make sure Pikeville remembers the Rams.
MARK MY WORDS 2 