My son signed his NCAA Letter of Intent today. He’ll definitely be playing football at the Division II college of his choice in the fall.
It happened at his high school just as lunch was beginning. The athletic director brought a couple of chairs from his office and set them behind an old folding table. Students filled the cafeteria. Most of them were there to eat but a few of his friends held off on lunch long enough to congratulate the boy and one of his friends who was also signing today.
They did the whole college signing thing as the two families took pictures. At one point they put on the baseball cap of the college they will be attending in the fall. My son had a nice smile on his face the whole time. It was really great to just watch him. To fade into the background and observe the teachers offering congratulations as they passed by. To see the teammates smack him on the back or work themselves into a picture or two.
He’s planning on leaving for college in June. Apparently only the hardcore “dogs” start training early and he is expected to start his freshman year. Gratefully he’s only going to be a couple of hours from home. Far enough away for him to do his own thing but not so far that I can’t help him in a moments notice. Being close makes me happy. Leaving early, not so much but these are for mostly selfish reasons and what isn’t selfish is grounded in worry. Such is a fathers life.
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Very very cool, man. Congratulations. So have you started shopping for your new house yet?
matt´s last blog post..Mixed Up In The Family Business
[Thanks Matt! We haven't started looking for a house yet but we have let people we know in the area in on the fact that we may be dropping in often.
- Chuck]
Woohoo! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time. I can remember when my college kid got her letter of acceptance and found out the majority of her schooling would be covered by scholarships (dang dorm fees!) it as a very proud day for all of us. I hope he has the time of his life AND gets a top notch education. Good job Dad!
Tara R.´s last blog post..Random Wednesday ~ hibernate
[The whole thing is still kinda surreal to me. The education piece of this is of the greatest importance. He knows this. Football is simply the vehicle to get him there. Thanks Tara! - Chuck]
Nice, Congrats to your son! That must be exciting for you and him!
orlund´s last blog post..Best Birthday Gift
[Exciting it is! Thanks Orlund - Chuck]
That is fantastic. So where’s he going so I’ll know who to root for next year. (or against)
Ed (zoesdad)´s last blog post..What Price Fame?
[Thanks Ed. He'll be playing at Wayne State. He'll be the big kid (well, they're all big) on the defensive line cracking heads - Chuck]
That is really terrific, Chuck! I like the part about your observations, while you “fade into the background.” I can only imagine the feeling, and how wonderful it must be, to know that you’ve done your best, you’ve worked hard as a dad to raise your son, and now you are setting him free to fly – and then to watch him soar. Wow.
Tom´s last blog post..A Matter Of Perspective
[It is pretty wonderful Tom. There were plenty of people that never believed he would make it this far. I was never one of them. - Chuck]
Chuck
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!! Give “The Young Man” our Congratulations!!! and a Big Hug!!
Love,
Aunt Beth, Uncle Al, Dan & Jenn
[I'll definitely pass it along Beth! Thanks - Chuck]
WOW!! Congratulations!! How exciting!!
[Thanks Debbie! I'm still coming to terms with the enormity of the whole thing. Exciting for sure! - Chuck]
You’ll have to pardon my ignorance as to what that really means, I’m not overly familiar with the league structures there, but it certainly sounds like something you should all be very proud of.
If signing is involved, it’s serious business though, I know that much!
Xbox4NappyRash´s last blog post..Notes from a dustpan
[Thanks Xbox. In very basic terms the "Letter of Intent", as issued by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), is the final pounding of the stake into the ground. It means he cannot seek enrollment at any other college, and most importantly no other college's can try and woo him away. - Chuck]
I have a friend who went to Wayne State and loved it. I say, good job, Dad. I truly believe that kids in athlethics get there on their own talent & dedication AND the love and support of caring parents. One hurdle past, and the challenge of college life begins…
As for the distance, I think it will be good. I went to school about 1:45 from home, and it was just as you describe — close enough when I needed it to be and far enough for me to have my own life.
I wish you *both* all the best.
– Julia
Julia at Midwest Moms´s last blog post..Why do we Love Quick Fixes?
Congratulations! I can’t even imagine all of the excitement and worry that must be swirling through your head. Enjoy this time.
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Wow! How cool is that?! I bet you are so proud, and I’m sure he’s pretty darn proud of himself…as he should be.
I can’t believe he is all grown up………I still have pictures in my mind of him playing in the leaves at the farm! You two have done a terrific job. Grampa Bingham and Gramma Pegs would be very proud! I love you all!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!
College is a great experience and adding athletics to the mix should give him a great life experience. I’ve been out of school for years and my girls are still years away but I know it will be a great experience!
very nice. you must be exploding with pride. can’t imagine this stage of your life.
but as wise a father as you seem to be. i’m sure you will give him exactly enough of what he needs.
and if not, well, such is life, somehow we all survive don’t we….you got this far
Treemama´s last blog post..Housekeeping