Time for my son to give up his football career.
…yes, another sappy story from a proud Dad but, there is a nice highlight reel below. 🙂
Joaquin received a 2nd concussion three weeks ago, and after undergoing a battery of tests that rivaled those seen in the movie, The Right Stuff, we as a family decided it was time to end his football playing days.
This latest injury has affected his balance a bit. The doctors can tell because when they ask him to place his feet together, cross his arms across his chest and close his eyes…he sways a little.
Hell…I do as well…but that’s another story.
On the plus side, they have given Joaquin some mental and balance exercises to do in order to get better but for now, football is out. It’s been tough on Joaquin since he stated he didn’t want to quit what he started, but he understands. Right now the focus is to get mended and stay focused on his studies.
I never played organized sports in school, my mom was always worried I’d get hurt.
So most of what I’ve learned about football is through the experiences of my son. Playing team sports was always somewhat of a social event for my son.
He’d show up for practice/game and his teammates would yell, “Waaahh-keeeen!” Or “Hey WACK!” He’d flash that big toothy smile of his and leave my side to dash to his buddies.
He loved playing with his teammates.
“Wack” was the beloved moniker bestowed upon him by a caring coach from his baseball playing days. “C’mon Wack! WACK that ball!” So it just stuck.
His first year in football, he was one of a handful of 6th graders that made the Blessed Sacrament Catholic school football team. It was rough playing much larger 7th and 8th graders but he persevered. He’s not the fastest player but took direction well from his coaches and even played through his scoliosis to become a leader and valuable player in 8th grade.
Jeez, he just sprouted during 7th and 8th grade…
Although he played his freshman year at Antonian Preparatory College high school, both Liz and I could tell that he was not going to play football much longer. He was ready to move onto other things but he knew not to quit once he started the program. He had already engrained himself on the JV team since he’d attended all of the summer practices and even took his pictures but this injury has changed all that. He can’t even help his teammates on the field as a manager because he has to heal. His Doctor and Physical Therapist just don’t want to take any chances…and neither do we.
I won’t be creating a sports calendar for him (still doing it for my daughter Emmy) and no video or photos — but I thought I would put this short video together of my son, highlighting his short football career. Watching the video, it amazes me how much he has progressed and what he has yet to accomplish.
This video is more for me than for you, my “Papa.” My endearment for him.
Beto
Great post! Love the video and LOVE the photo at the top! I’m so sorry he got injured and had to stop playing but am so very glad that he is okay!!!
PS – A math question? Really?
This saddens me, but I have been very proud of Wack. He has grown into a good young man right before my eyes. He was part of the 1st winning season Blessed had, the 1st in 7 years. Wack will always have a special place in my heart and I know God has awesome things planned for him. As a coach he has made me proud, and as a father I hope one day I will have a son that has many of Wacks attributes.
I look forward to having Joaquin more active in Scouting!
OMG!!! Your baby boy grew up so fast. I am so glad he is ok. A very wise decision to sit out this season and heal. No sport is worth life long injuries. Think of all the study time he will have : ) When God closes a door he opens a window. Ok….now I see the math question. Is this the NEW math we keep hearing about. Wish me luck?