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November 10, 2009

It’s funny how history repeats itself

Tim Branstetter

As I write this column I’m sitting all relaxed on a big soft white cushion with a nice cool breeze blowing and the sounds of birds chirping all around me.

The birds sound something like a small gym packed with several screaming fans wearing blue and white. Some might call this cloud nine.

That’s right folks, I am on cloud nine and I feel like screaming to the rooftops because my son Dawson just scored his first career points for a school team during their 39-20 win over Jackson County.

First you have to understand that Dawson is very little for his age. He is at least a head smaller than most kids in his fifth grade class.

Dawson is playing basketball on the East Bernstadt 6th grade team and only two fifth graders made the team this season, Dawson and his friend Jacob. Needless to say, this talented bunch of sixth graders do not look to an undersized fifth grader to lead the way with valuable minutes, so he waits patiently on the bench for his time to shine.

The Wildcats started their season last week with a hard fought come-from-behind victory over Richmond Model. Since the team struggled early, Dawson only saw about 20 seconds of playing time, which did not include touching the ball.

Dawson never complained. He was excited that his team managed to win the game and he understood that he would have to pay his dues this season.

But moments ago, the East Bernstadt 6th grade team stepped up and grabbed a 19 point advantage at the end of the third quarter which earned Dawson a chance to play the entire fourth quarter.

Dawson took advantage of his opportunity and wowed the rowdy crowd of Wildcat fans with four points.

I have seen Dawson score 15 points in a 21-15 victory, I have witnessed him run touchdowns and sack quarterbacks, I have watched as he faked out several kids older than him with a crossover and behind the back dribble, but I can’t put into words how great it felt to watch him score his first points on a school team.

It was the same gym where I scored my first points. My old coach was there watching and my friends I went to school there with were watching and the feeling was amazing.

The night was topped off with the enjoyment of watching my daughter Taylor perform with her dance team.

I was able to witness all of this with a very special and beautiful lady named Quinn by my side. I will have to say, it was a great night to be Tim Branstetter.

It’s kinda funny because a fan that has never seen Dawson play looked at me and said, “you didn’t know he had it in him, did you?” I couldn’t help but think, “you have no idea.”

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