I went to the State Basketball tournament yesterday.  At first I sat by myself in a place where I could watch both the boys and the girls games at the same time. Sometimes it’s best when I’m alone because I do a better job watching, but part of the fun is the whole experience. I have been at State many times as an assistant coach, so each time I walk into the Tacoma Dome I get that feeling of AWE. That, “We made it” feel that is still hidden deep in my bones. I remember the tears and fallen shoulders during the tough times and the hugs and screams after the wins, and the girls piled on the floor around a giant trophy. It was so fun to be a part of it all.

After moving from the quiet of my “private” seat, I went from coach to coach to former player to teammate to coach moving my way through The Dome. The only way the day could have been better would have been to be there with my team, on the court competing. And they could have been there. We were so close. That’s the way the playoffs work.

“We scored more against that team.” I’d think to myself, and might even mention to the coach next to me with a sigh, “We only lost by 3 to that team.” But in the end, to get there you have to do what it takes, and do it at the right time. And this year we didn’t.

Next year I hope my team will be at the Dome, building their own memories to look back on.