We have enjoyed watching the Elkins Elks football team all season. It has been a long and rewarding year for all the athletes involved in the program. Our oldest son is only a freshman. He played on the junior high team and was offered an opportunity to move up to varsity after their season was over. This mainly consisted of practicing with the varsity players and watching from the side lines during the play-off season. He has been diligent about being up early and staying late for each of the practices. He dressed in his warmest clothes and suited up to encourage his fellow football players. He enjoyed the brotherhood offered by the coaches and team.
It was an exciting night for our whole town when Elkins was able to defeat Mills on their home field during the semi finals round. The thrill of being able to compete in the 4A state championship game had a ripple effect through the school and small town of Elkins. There were a lot of other small towns in and outside of our conference, hoping to see the Elks make it to the ‘ship. They delivered.
As our team prepared for the big game, parents and businesses also prepared for a big hometown send-off the day before the team departed for Little Rock. We were able to line the highway as the team left town. No business marquee sign was left without words of encouragement and pride as the team rolled out of town. My friends and I cheered them on out of town and met up at our local bakery to catch up after. There is nothing quite like a moment over coffee and pastries with friends to celebrate a momentous season.
The band and cheerleader bus left early the next day to head to War Memorial Stadium to be a part of the big game. The buses were loaded with breakfast and lunches for a long trip and game day. A large following chased the buses to the state capital for the big game. My husband and I made the trip together with our youngest son. It was a rainy dreary trip, but the day promised an exciting game for anyone involved with the Elkins Elks.
The game was a tough one – by far Arkadelphia was the toughest our team had faced all season. In came down to a disappointing defeat. My heart broke for all the seniors who were leaving the field from their last high school game. They left it all out on the field and came up short. We were so proud of our coaches and players. It was an absolute honor to see this team represent our school district and small town in the state championship.
In times of disappointment, we can choose to see the worst or the best of the situation. The best part of being a part of this moment was seeing our town come together to encourage a group of athletes and coaches who had worked hard for many months. In this moment, we chose to see the joy and the thrill of being state runner up. I am certain this moment will define a lot of goals for next season. Until then, whether you’re from Elkins or not, you can be proud of this team – a class act throughout the whole season, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
