Last night, Greenville took its first step toward becoming a consistent winner on the football field. The Wave beat Eaton 24-14. Too many, this may not seem like a big deal, but to a franchise that has suffered loss after loss, this was a moment…….a beginning…..a first step in becoming competitive.
As I stood on the sidelines, I felt and noticed something different. I really couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was there. What was it? I still don’t know for sure, but I think it was a feeling of pride, pride in what they wanted to accomplish, and pride in their school and their new stadium. It was if they did not want to let anyone down. Maybe they will not win another game, who knows, but for sure, Coach Channell has brought something new to Greenville. I also noticed the leadership the seniors have taken….it really is there, they want so badly to succeed.
Greenville played with a purpose last night and it paid off. I saw a team that actually hit the other team hard; they let Eaton know early that they were in a fight. I saw a team that made mistakes and didn’t get down on themselves and fall apart….THAT is really new! I also saw a team that is learning, especially on defense. Coach Current will get the defense clicking. Oh, they didn’t play badly at all last night, but you could tell there is some confusion there, and that is to be expected from a new coach. Coach Channell was all over last night. He brings a sense of urgency to a group that has lacked that in the past. I like what I am seeing. As time and games go on, I think they will get better. The entire coaching staff seems committed to teaching, not screaming at the guys.
Last night was a big deal! The new stadium is beautiful and efficient. The crowd was excited the whole evening, and it was a pretty good turnout for the opening of the stadium. It was nice to hear the cannon go off a couple of times last night, and that is always a good sign! For a team and community that has suffered the last two years, or more, the game was a beginning… a beginning of expectations, and success. Nobody knows what can happen in a football game. I saw one thing this group really needed: a belief in themselves. They didn’t give up when the going got tough. They dug in and fought back, and when you do that, you start to get breaks going your way. That’s exactly what happened last night.
Greenville hosts West Carrollton next week at Alumni Stadium. I would love to see those stands PACKED next week for these young men. Not only will you see a good football game, but you can also take pride in the stadium, the kids in the band, the Cheerleaders, and everyone else who made last night memorable. Let’s back the school as much as we can, because all those students deserve it. Come on out and watch our young people bring pride to our community with their hard work, trying to entertain us and make us proud!
Last night, Greenville took a first step to success……next week they can take another step….and maybe it will be a little bigger!
That’s the way I see it… from the sidelines.
