Under the Friday Night lights at Kenwood , there are whistles blowing, helmets clacking, and the roars of an enthusiastic crowd anxious to see their team emerge victorious.
Kenwood’s football team was recently selected by the majority of coaches in Region 2 as the team that displayed the most sportsmanship throughout the season. “This recognition means a lot to our program as we continue working to change how the outside world views Kenwood, both on and off the field,” shares Coach Swain.
Tonight, the Bluebirds will face Perry Hall in the first round of the playoffs at 5:00 PM at Perry Hall High School. “We’re excited for the opportunity and grateful for the continued support,” adds Coach Swain.
Even though it was a tough season with wins and losses. The team had a big win over Overlea on Homecoming weekend. They also beat North County, but are headed in to playoffs with an overall record of 2-7. Senior David Martinez was also recognized by the Ravens this year for the NFL Latino Youth Honors Award.
Football isn’t simply a sport to these athletes but instead is a fountain of learning experiences which builds their character. Football is an amazing sport that is very physically demanding at times but also provides many life changing benefits which may seem minor initially but can have a huge impact on athlete’s life and future endeavors.
One of our Bluebird senior athletes had a lot to say about football in his own words as he has overcome a lot of adversity of battling through injuries in both his junior and senior year to now becoming a respected leader on the team whose voice sparks motivation in his fellow athletes. Senior Eric Thomas, shares on what he describes as his motivation whenever he steps onto the field, “The way that I differ from everyone else is I know I have restraints that limit my athletic ability while still competing with athletes who don’t have to worry about these limitations but it motivates me to work hard and taught me the value of hard work and self-discipline.”
Football teaches athletes the values of accountability and leadership and this helps shape players which leads to players holding each other accountable to ensure that the team can be successful but the benefits aren’t just seen on the field but also in the world.
Underclassmen are taught by our coaches and upperclassmen not to take the opportunity to play for granted because the season goes by very quickly and you don’t want to waste any time you have because anything can happen that may change the outcome you want. But once you reach that final senior game and can look back you can see the progress you’ve made in your four years on the field which is what makes football so special.
