For generations, football has been more than just a game; it’s a symbol of pride and unity. Beneath the helmets and pads, there’s a brotherhood among players who share a common goal to represent themselves with passion and fulfillment.
Despite the statistics of the game, the support they receive from coaches is a major factor in why athletes continue to love their sport.
“It doesn’t matter how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Head Coach Mitch Francis.
“They show up every day, they never give up on us, even after a loss, they come back,” Senior Charlie Fino shares.
Mr. Harshaw’s dual role as a teacher and coach allows him to empathize with his students, providing a living example of how to stabilize similar commitments.
“We’re trying to create better young individuals, and the kids are our future, so it’s not really much of a balance, as in different strokes for different folks,” Coach Harshaw stated.
The players’ hardships are hidden on the field. Viewers move beyond significant details, such as simple dedication, to understand their deeper motivations.
“You don’t have much time to spend with your family, but then that really just makes your football team more family too,” Senior Eric Vega expresses.
Staying busy leads to running out of time, but Eric connects on a deeper level with his teammates when they’re making a comparable sacrifice.
Each player carries a personal story, sometimes subtly attached to the fabric of their jersey. Their number, more than just an identifier, can be a symbol of something deeper. Choosing to wear 61 was an easy decision for Michael Roque; it was a way to honor his brother, who had worn it before him. For Jessie Velasquez, high school was a clean slate. He traded in his old number, 88, for 71 at the start of his freshman year and has worn it ever since, now a senior.
As they prepare for challenges ahead, the team is driven by a shared purpose: to play with heart and compassion. Their good hearts fueled their determination, knowing that true victory wasn’t just about winning games but about uplifting those around them, and also because their good hearts will make them a good team.
“That is what makes us great as Selma Bears, our interpersonal connections,” Harshaw says.
