Simply Selby: Mad Respect To The Mustangs!

I have always known that I came from a great community and a great school but the past few weeks have really hammered home that notion. The Unity High School boys basketball team is on a roll. They have advanced to the State Tournament for the first time in school history and I had the privilege of watching them in action in Jacksonville last night. Let me tell you...I have watched numerous boys and girls basketball games in my life and this team...there is just something different about them which I think is a HUGE part of their success. There is usually the "go to" guy, you typically have the "ball hog", usually there is the "temper problem child", then the "I'm too scared to shoot, dribble or move" type of kid....this team had none of that. They seriously played as a team with the most class and dignity I have ever witnessed in any sport. I know that talent has a lot to do with a team's success but I truly believe by only watching them play one time...that this team has something much more than just talent. They were so respectful to not only the other players, the refs, their coaches but to each other. I know none of them personally or at all for that matter but if I were any of these kids parents or coaches I would be SOOO proud. Of course for the obvious reason of making to the state tournament for the first time in school history....but MUCH more proud of how they handle themselves. The way they talk about each other in interviews and taking the time after the games for the fans...especially the little ones....that is something to be proud of. They are truly a TEAM. I hope they realize what an impact they have had on not only the young kids looking up to their "idols" but for Unity fans of all ages. It is truly special what is happening in Mendon, Illinois. I loved seeing such a big gym packed full of so many fans...UNITY FANS!!! I loved hearing the roar of the crowd that was so loud that you couldn't hear the announcer speak. I loved seeing some of the same faces that cheered my class on in sports. I loved seeing my old teachers and coaches with the same love and enthusiasm they showed me and my classmates years ago. I loved seeing the student body section FULL of kids cheering (positively) for their favorite team. I loved how when the JHS Drum Line performed and the kids were dancing and clapping and encouraging them...even though it wasn't their school. The Drum Line finished and Unity clapped and stood for them. That is true SPIRIT. That is teaching kids respect. It's been a long time since I've been to a high school basketball game and I can tell you that I was IMPRESSED!!! Prime example of how much these little kids are paying attention and looking up to everyone...not just the players. My nephew sitting next to me was SOOO excited. Fist pumping, yelling, cheering...very excited for the Mustangs and all he knows is that is where is Aunt & Mommy went to school. He asked why the other team was cheering for the Mustangs during warm up when they missed a shot. How do you explain to a Kindergartener about poor sportsmanship? Well, I will tell you how...you show them the Unity student body being respectful and polite. You show them how happy they were for their team but yet still clapping for the losing team. You let him go onto the floor and let him experience the thrill. You lead him up to a player who takes the time out of his own once in a lifetime celebration to high five your nephew even though he has no clue who either of us are....That my friends....is sportsmanship. That is UNITY. That is what being a MUSTANG is all about.

Regardless, if they win or loose this weekend...they have already made the community proud and has restored my faith in the younger generation. Parents, coaches, players, cheerleaders, teachers.....you should all be very proud and I was thoroughly impressed last night. I could not have been more proud of where I came from.

Once A Mustang, Always A Mustang!