It Only Takes A Spark

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

It only takes a spark to ignite the flames of passion and spirit. The Mission football team won their first game in some time last Friday night lighting a fire of school spirit.

I visited with teachers, students and players in the hallway earlier in the day and asked them how they thought they would do, and what I heard and saw was a school and team with a lot of questions. Uncertainty and wavering confidence laid heavy on everyone's heart. Our opponent was noble and had a history of success. Our recent history has been chained by doubt and failure. In fact, during the first half, one of the Bulldog fans discretely leaned in to me and said, we aren't use to scoring touch downs let alone being ahead. This was apparent after the Bulldogs scored their first touch down. Players were jumping up and down and the crowd was equally shocked into celebration. The challenge of being competitive was huge, let alone winning.

Yes, last Friday night was special. I felt blessed in being able to witness the birth of change as the Bulldogs grew in confidence. The rise of school spirit was apparent. The fans, the student-body, the coaches and the players began to BELIEVE! And to believe is powerful, so much so that it is thought to be SPIRITUAL! Hence the concept of SCHOOL SPIRIT.

I guess this football game is a good example of why I love high school sports. High school sports are the manifestation of spirit, belief and community. By the time the football team had finished its magic, I witnessed a timid crowd grow in number (the word must of traveled down town) and by the end of the game the crowd began chanting "MISSION!"..."BULLDOGS!" Every man, woman and child on the Mission sidelines back through the stands could feel the hair stand up on the back of their necks! It was special! They too BELIEVED!

You hear a lot of people say come to the games support our kids. It sounds like a plea for charity. I believe that it isn't support as much as it is taking part in community that takes place when people attend school activities. This is especially true in small towns like St. Ignatius. If you weren't at last Friday night's game, you missed something special. There is a change taking place in this school. It is not Mission Impossible, its Mission Possible! BE A PART OF IT! Come to our school's activities and throw some wood on the fire of MISSION's school spirit! The flame is burning and anything is possible! See you at the next game.