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In August 2007, with the smell of freshly mowed grass in the air, a group of 7th graders and I met on a football field for another and last YAFL season in our football careers. Our last and final year was corporately sponsored by R Sports and Richard Raybalid, president of Roughneck football. They gave me a once in a life time opportunity to be a Roughneck like my Dad. Although he is semi-pro, it sure felt good to put on that silver and black Roughneck jersey for the first time. Next year we will be splitting up playing for our Junior Highs at 7 different junior high schools.
However, we are now all battling as a team for our chance to become the next piece of Four Corners YAFL play-off history. At the beginning of our season we walked on as a group of boys, and by the end we walk off as a team warriors that have endured ups and downs, bumps and bruises and even a lot criticism along the way. We were not expected to make the playoffs, or even win one game. But, I do love the feeling of being a part of more than just wins or loses, but knowing that that soldier beside you would sacrifice almost anything to get that inch with you. Well, those inches paid off because we made it to State and the district championship game. Now I know not to give up even if it take 4 years in the making to accomplish your ultimate dream.
Playing as a team takes time and dedication. It is not always easy and sometimes takes patients and endurance. Digging deep within and trying hard no matter how bad the circumstances builds character and personality. Put all these items together and I think you just might have yourself a football warrior on your hands.
I love everything about the sport football. I even love the smells that you get when playing football and practicing football. I love the way it gets your heart gets pumping before a game and at kick-off time. I love that you have to set goals to work hard towards them. I love the feeling of being a part of a team and knowing that you have to work as a team to achieve your goal. I love the feeling you get after improving on something and your coach letting you know. I believe it builds my self-confidence up to be apart of something more than just wins or loses, but a part of an army of teammates that also dedicate themselves to something so strong .
Sterling Vicenti
Bloomfield Roughneck #44
"Roughneck Strong All Day Long"
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