Coach Flip Naumburg's Journal

Saturday, May 27, 2006

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Last year I got many, many letters of support right after our season had come to that abrupt and life changing conclusion. Most of those communications supported my decision to back away from litigation, and ultimately the USLMDIA championships. It was nice that people took the time, but I must admit that each letter was more painful to read than the one before it had been. I know that some of the parents who did not respond in any way were, in fact, not happy that my choice or decision had cost their son something very important, and that the money they spent for the boy to play lacrosse was wasted. I stewed on all this stuff for a long time. At least one player left school after eligibility-gate.

This year I got only a few letters and emails after all was said and done in May, and all were to congratulate me and us on our new accomplishments. In 2006 it didn’t take as long to read the ‘fallout’ mail, but the pleasure it gave me was far greater. One email that I really liked was from a rival coach who basically said that he had always hated our team (so many words) and the way we did things (me). He wrote that he had just had a 180-degree change of heart about it all, and (as the winner) did I now have some words of wisdom for him (with tongue firmly in his cheek I'm sure). To me, the note from him was so cool. It means a great deal that he would take the time to bother to say he don't hate me. For me that is as good as the old "not sucking".

One of the players' father wrote something that, while a congratulatory note, I think it is more noteworthy than just as that, because what this dad expresses is an understanding of what we aspire to be and a description of perhaps who, we in fact and act are at this moment in time. For this year those two concepts, who we want to be and who we are might have become married and compatible for the lifetime of an entire season. If that is even slightly true then I am basically a happy camper.

So here is what Mike Schnirel wrote. His son is Adam (#34 – 2007 – D – New Captain elect). They are from Pennsylvania. Mike and Mary Ann come to as many of our games as possible. I decided to reprint the letter here because I want to always remember what it is that we try to be. I don't want this to go bye, bye, lost in some kind of email program melt down. Hopefully cyberspace is safer.

At first I took the parts about me out, but then I decided to just leave the letter alone, as in either print it or don’t:

Dear Flip,

Congratulations! It amazes me how you are able to rebuild a team every year and get them to the highest level. The weekend in Plano was as exciting for me as life gets. Being a part of the CSU lacrosse family is fabulous. I am glad Adam has another year. I know we will always be part of the family. The bonding that takes place during a shared highly emotional event is incredible. Standing together with the DADS up in the stadium, watching our sons give everything they have and knowing that one of their mistakes could cost us the game or one of their plays could win the game is a very humbling, exhilarating, and an emotionally exhausting experience. WINNING is an incredible experience. Christmas, birthday parties, big social activities are great but never live up to the emotional level you hope for. Winning a National Championship does. The feelings will last forever.

The amazing thing is Adam really picked CSU for what the school offered academically and location, as it should be. At the time he knew very little about the lacrosse program. I had to convince him to go out for the team and give it a try. From reading your journal, I knew Adam would be a match for you before he even got to CSU. Winning for him is everything. When I congratulated him after winning the championship game he said "We played like sh--, but hey we won!" He too isn’t completely satisfied unless the perfect game is played with the win. I guess that’s what makes you winners. I am glad he chose CSU over other schools. Many of his friends still play lacrosse in college. I know he wondered if he could have played at an NCAA school. I don’t think he cares anymore. He is so proud of what he has been able to accomplish. I rarely hear him talk about his sports with friends or family. He has been very talkative about how great winning the championship was for him.

Adam has been home for a few days and will soon be going back to Colorado for the summer. It is great to have him home, we really miss him. I realize how much I miss him when he is home. It’s hard to let go. I know he loves everything he is doing right now and I am very happy for him. Having him connected to the CSU lacrosse family gives me great comfort. I know that there are people who care about him when he is far from home and will continue to take good care of him. I can never put into words how much that means to me. I can never thank you appropriately for what you have done for him nor tell you and how much we love you for loving him. All I can tell you is Mary Ann and I feel blessed that Adam found Colorado State and you! Thank you for everything.

With Love and Admiration,

Mike Schnirel

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