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Fall Football Pride!

Many stories will be written and shared about the controversial pass that won the game, the big sack that demoralized the opponent, or the charming young quarterback that has a promising collegiate career, but the real story that can't be overlooked is the outpouring of community pride that has attached itself to this team.

Lately it seems that the only news in this State is bad news; what with a horrible economy, people in constant fear of losing their jobs, and in some cases loosing their homes, good news is something that is not just welcomed, it's celebrated.

The Marine City Mariners football team has been lifted to celebrity status.  Their departure from town on Friday more resembled great gladiators headed to do battle within the towering coliseum of Rome.  Perched atop their blazing white stallions, or in this case, tour busses, they gallantly passed through the cheering crowd that lined the city streets. 

"The school staged an evacuation drill in order to be able to get all of the students outside" said Kathy Reichle, yearbook advisor/ media specialist at Marine City High School.  "It was exciting to see all the students, staff, and towns people on hand for that moment."

 Jump ahead to game day.

The cellular phone rang as we made the peaceful drive to Northern Michigan. "You've got to be kidding me its only 10:30am" said my wife in disbelief into the receiver.

I knew this game was going to be big, but I had no idea.  Who would have believed, at that hour, the stands would already be full.  I guess the town of Marine City did. One hundred sixty three rooms were sold at just one of the Gaylord area hotels.  Sure, everyone could have stayed it their rooms and watched the first quarter of the bowl implicating Michigan/Ohio State game, but their own "biggest game of the year" beckoned, and arriving to the field early was priority.

As a late comer (an hour before game time), I was greeted to a sea of orange and black. MC Flags towered 50 feet above the frozen field as the band chimed Anchors Away and the excited crowd lifted signs and rang bells.  A half dressed man resembling an orange creamsicle, and his orange muffed compadre' led the crowd as everyone banged their boombinkas, and blew their whoowinkas. 

From infants bundled in black and buried in car seats, to the best generation, who have undoubtedly seen many football games before the invention of television, all were on hand to show their community pride and see their HOME team to victory.

Head coach, Tony Scarcelli, nervously paced the field in blind anticipation of what was about to unfold. He may have rest a bit easier had he realized, in full, what had already been accomplished by his football team.  For on that day, as the snowflakes fell gently to the ground, so fell all of the worries of a troubled world. On that day, no matter the outcome, everyone in attendance, and the hopeful community left at home were winners.   

I hope that this sets a trend for our community.  Over the past year, many Marine City student athletes have made it to the State Finals including members form the Tennis, Swimming, Track and Cross country teams. As we continue to puff out our prideful chests on the march to the football teams big dance, remember to pat our other champions on the back as well. After all, their quest for the grail was no less difficult than the team you are following now.  It's just that the stage is larger!

 Cheers! 

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