Hometown Pride

Nothing can replace the feeling of growing up in a small town.  Excitement, sourness, and overwhelmed can sweep through a person in a matter of seconds but at the end of the day the feeling that stands out is being blessed.  Tonight I watched the Webster Lady Bearcat Basketball team end a 33 year drought.  (I stood in the kitchen frantically yelling at my computer to quit buffering every three minutes.  Evan actually went into the basement to get away from his crazy wife). Webster beat Roncalli in OT on Groton's floor, which is probably the sweetest victory ever.  As the final score showed in favor of the Cats I cried in our living room in Crystal hundreds of miles away as memories flooded me.  

Seventeen years ago, I stepped on the court for the first time.  Ten years ago, I was on that basketball team.  I was going to open gyms during the summer, shot hoops for hours on the farm, and even tried lifting the bench press bar in the weight room with Mannie. (Still kills me each time!). Everything was going great and I was hoping to make varsity.  However a month before the season started difficult circumstances arose and I opted not to continue with basketball.  I proudly yet sadly watched my teammates that I had been with for years pour their heart into the game.  

The Webster Area's community support is absolutely heartfelt.  When the Cats sized up their competitors the young and old citizens stood by each other and cheered until they lost their voices.  If someone didn't have a ride someone would step up and organize a ride.  It wasn't just for Webster sports though.  I remember lining up at the armory doors when Waubay and Roslyn would play.  This game was the NESD version of the USD v. SDSU game.  

The Hometown Pride that is felt in the Webster Area is undeniable.  As the cameras scanned the crowds I saw many familiar faces young and old, seasoned veterans and newbies, implants and born-and-raised citizens all showing unity for the same goal to support the children of the community. Many don't recognize this rarity until it is too late.  The sense of community is a myth as it is in many areas, but in Webster it is actually resonating from every individual as they stand unified as one.  

As the Lady Bearcats embark on this amazing chapter, I will guarantee they will have a cheering section from Minnesota. I will be sitting in a corner of work with the video streaming in the background as I silently grip my chair out of excitement to see the Maroon and Gold take the court for the first time in 33 years.