President, Westfield Chamber of Commerce
Each Friday when I was growing up was always my favorite part of the week. Not just because it was the weekend, but because I knew it was time for Friday night football. When the last bell of the day rang at school, I would get off the bus, change my clothes to something warmer and wait outside for my grandpa to pick me up. Those were the best times growing up. It made me so much closer to my grandpa. We would drive to Warren Central to watch Uncle Kevin coach the Warriors.
I have so many great moments with my grandpa and football. Driving to games we would share some Double Bubble, talk about school, life and of course sports. I can always remember him playing “Gold 104.5”. We would listen to oldies until we got to the stadium. After we got there we would tailgate with the different families.
At halftimes of games my grandpa would throw a football with me on the field. Still one of my favorite things about my grandpa at games was that he always brought his binoculars, even if we were standing on the sideline.
I never played in high school, but I grew up around it. It taught me what it felt like to win and lose. More importantly, it taught me what football can do for friends, family and a community.
Just four years ago, I liked this girl and our first date was at the old Westfield football stadium. Now, we are getting married in October. That is why I love calling games for Hamilton County Television on Friday nights. It reminds me of great moments in my life.
I am telling you these stories because I am not alone. We all have stories about football. Whether it is remembering a high school homecoming game or all the great things that go on before the game such as parades, tailgating, etc. It could be a great memory of a son playing under the lights or a daughter cheering on the sidelines. Regardless football is something that brings a community together.
So why is it that football can bring communities together? The answer is because we all have those stories. It is a piece of our community that makes us proud to live there. Football brings out our competitive side of us. It is amazing how the color of a helmet can make us so competitive.
With my grandfather passing away early this year it will be different come Friday night, but I get to carry those stories with me. Just like all of us we get to remember and share so many great memories under the lights.
No matter how big or small the place you live, once those lights are on . . . We all feel like we are in our own small towns. Cheering until the last whistle.