My brother in-law once told me during a stretch of time when his Yankees and Lakers won their respective championships every year for what seemed like a decade that it was because of his, "clean livin."
Whether one chooses to believe that my brother-in-law's sports teams are directly affected by his good choices in how he lives his life remains up in the air. However, if you subscribe to that theory, then my latest senior must be doing something right as well.
Let me explain.
For anyone who's strapped on a pair of shoulder pads, threw on some cleats and pulled down a Riddell helmet over their ears at the high school level, you've dreamed of making the state playoffs... or winning a state championship.
Check.... and check.
Making the state playoffs has become commonplace for Trey's high school, North Tama of Traer as he and his classmates have finished their careers garnering four appearances in four years. The list of hardware that Trey was a part of is long and impressive.
Freshman year: Ranked No. 1 in the final regular season poll before losing a heartbreaker to Mason City Newman, 28-26 in the semifinals.
Junior year: Newman strikes again in the 2nd round of the playoffs, 31-14.
Senior year: A quarterfinal run ends at the hands of Wapsie Valley, 46-20.
You may be wondering why I skipped the sophomore year?
All the Redhawks did there was win the Class A State Title with a game for the ages as North Tama overcame a 20 point deficit to stun traditional power, Madrid, 43-34. A quick look at the last image on this blog highlights the ring that commemorates that state championship.
How cool is that?
I thought playing on my schools one and only state playoff appearance as a wide-eyed freshman in 1986 was awesome... but to make it ALL FOUR YEARS? Insane.
I hope Trey realizes how blessed he really is as the school my children attend haven't made the state field in over 20 years... Literally a generation has come and gone without even ONE of those appearances that every athlete covets. After spending a few hours with Trey... I have no doubt that he does.
If that weren't enough, how about tossing in a fourth place finish at state this year at the Iowa Boys State Basketball Tournament???
That my folks... is some CLEAN livin'. :)
With all those accomplishments to look back on and smile as he comes to the end of his high school career, I asked Mr. Keahna what his favorite memory was.
That rush of making state for the first time?
Being ranked No. 1?
Polishing off a state title?
Getting that ring?
His answer? Far more simple.
As a non-starter in basketball, Trey's stout figure wouldn't let him get the amount of minutes he would've liked. But no matter... he was still the Redhawk faithful's favorite. With time running down.. and the Redhawks putting finishing touches on yet another blowout victory... the chant would start.
"TREY KEA- HAH - NA" *clap* *clap* *clap-clap-clap*
"TREY KEA- HAH - NA" *clap* *clap* *clap-clap-clap*
On and on it would go until the big fella was summoned by Coach Clubb to enter the game sending the student section into a frenzy.
"It just made me feel good to hear them chanting my name," said Trey with that huge grin.
I hear ya brother... I hear ya. Thanks for letting me ride on your coattails for a few hours... It was a sports junkie's delight.
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