I

Honoring The Game

Honor, one of the oldest ideas in existence, is sadly slipping out of the grasp of

people toqay. In today's world it has little, if any, place in the priorities and ideas of

people which in turn has led to an extremely dishonest society. However some still retain

this age old concept and in turn work to make the world a better place. Those who still

hold hOllor in high priority often are taught of its importance and use it as a means to turn

themselves around. In my experience I gained knowledge of honor through lacrosse. The

sport taught me how to have self respect, respect for others, and the will to do what is

needed for a greater good, all of which are traits which are characteristic of honor. Ever

since the game of lacrosse instilled these traits upon me I have lived my life in an attempt

not only to gain honor but to honor the game.

In order to honor the game you must honor what it represents. Lacrosse represents

the culmination of respect for oneself, ones teammates and ones opponents as well as the

sense of family, brotherhood, and community. In my four years I have tried to embody aU

of these ideas. Ever since I began to play lacrosse I have tr:ied to better myself not only

pbysically but mentally as well. I have worked hard and tirelessly in the classroom and

have been able to attain results which I myself never thought possible. I recentJy achieved

one of the greatest accomplishments possible fot a scholar, a scholarship to college. I

constantly honor my teammates whenever I can. I am always respectful towards them and

through the years have offered any assistance they have needed whether it was lacrosse

related or not I have always tried to be there as an anchor to my teammates showing them

the respect that they deserve. Over my high school career I often spent hours

after

school

shooting on the goalies, helping new players with mechanics and doing anything that the

coaches needed done, such as spreailing word of a meet1ng, passing out notices and even

helping to organize the winter league for the high school one year. I have also honored

my opponents. It is not uncommon for harsh words to be exchanged between opponents

during a contest. Over my career I have not only suppressed this behavior with my

opponents but with my classmates as well giving them the honor and courtesy which I

myself would wish to be shown.

I also tried to exemplify the traits which lacrosse taught me in the community.

Lacrosse taught me to give back and for four years I have helped to coach at the chargers

level. Every year I make it to practices to help and pass on the lessons which I learned to

the future of the program and also the future of our world. I fed by doing this I help the

community and it allows me to pass on something special to another. Apart ITom my

work in the chargers program I also joined key club. Through this I was able to help in

various fundraisers and help those ill need not only in my community but in many others

as we]l In lacrosse it is your job to do what is needed so that your team may succeed. By

participating in these types of charities and community services I feel that I have not only

done what is necessary but I have also honored the game in the greatest way possible, by

giving back.