Heroes Come In All Shapes and Sizes
November 2001

My heroes go to Boyne City High School.
They participate in extra-curricular activities. They participate for three main reasons – to be with their friends, to be around adults who care about them, and to have fun.

My heroes are involved in extra-curricular activities to learn about themselves, enhance their education, and push themselves in ways not possible in an after school job, or during the regular school day.
One of my heroes had played just two seconds in a basketball game last season. He was good enough to play more, but the flow of the game didn't allow him the opportunity to get more time.

Instead of getting mad at the coach, instead of parental calls to the administration calling for more playing time or demanding that we find a new coach, my hero just kept on working hard in practice, waiting for an opportunity he knew would come.

When that opportunity came, he was ready. With the team trailing by nine points early in the second quarter, he entered the game and proceeded to hit four three-point baskets in a row, leading one of the more memorable comebacks here in the past few seasons.
One of my heroes at Boyne City High School got cut from the varsity girls basketball team. Instead of being mad at the coach or mad at the administration, my hero called up the cross country coach the next day and asked if she could join the team. Despite not being the best runner, she dedicated herself to the team. The conclusion to this story is quite remarkable – my hero led the cross country team to its first-ever conference championship, and she earned all-league honors.

One of my heroes at Boyne City High School was recently offered a Division I athletic scholarship. I was amazed when I found out that she was considering all her options. I know that if I was offered a Division I scholarship I wouldn't have to think twice about taking it. Maybe this is why I was never a Division I athlete. My hero is grounded enough to consider all the important variables in her college choice. Does this college offer the educational opportunities I want? Will the coach stay at the school for all four years? Will I fit in with the other players on the team who already have scholarships?
My hero at 17 years of age is wise enough, and articulate enough, to make an informed choice on her college experience. I wish at this young age I could have been so wise.

Many people today say that young adults are not as patriotic as previous generations. My hero is patriotic. If you have had the opportunity in the past year to attend a Boyne City High School game then you have had a true patriotic experience. Last season we had 18 different students step up to the microphone and sing the National Anthem a acappella. How many of us could stand before 1,500 people at a football or basketball game and sing with pride the National Anthem?

Those of you who attended a game at Boyne City last season know that on many evenings the high point was the singing of the national anthem – not great plays, or victories, but students celebrating with pride the greatness of America.

My heroes go to Boyne City High School. They have learned how to deal with adversity, they are grounded in their decision-making and they are patriotic.
My heroes participate in extra-curricular activities to learn about themselves, enhance their education and push themselves in ways not possible in any other activity. My heroes want to win, but they would rather be with friends, be around adults who care about them and to have fun.

This fall, when you are out watching a high school game please don't forget about my heroes.

— Steve Beyer
Athletic Director
Boyne City High School