It appears the future of Oxford Athletics is in very capable hands.
A total of 124 seventh and eighth-grade athletes were honored by the Oxford Athletic Boosters June 6 during the First Annual Middle School Athletic Recognition Night.
Each athlete received a certificate of appreciation for participating in their given sport plus a handy blue tote bag containing the Wildcat logo surrounded by the words pride, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Oxford High’s Captains Club, which consists of all the varsity team captains, handed out the certificates.
The 154 middle school athletes who were not able to attend the ceremony will also receive certificates.
The crowd of budding young athletes, along with their proud parents, siblings and friends, listened intently as high school seniors Samantha Bono and Vinnie Ives dispensed words of advice and encouragement.
Bono and Ives were recently named Best Female and Male Senior Athletes for the Class of 2007.
‘Everyday you’re not out there working and practicing, someone else is and they’re going to be that much better than you,? said Bono, quoting her soccer coach. ‘Are you willing to settle for that??
Bono obviously wasn’t willing to settle.
During her high school career, she was a varsity starter and leading scorer all four years.
‘I’ve almost always known that if I’m going to get what I want, I’d have to work for it and not settle for anything less,? Bono said.
She racked up 72 goals and 22 assists during her four seasons, was named Most Valuable Player three times and received All-District and All-State honors.
And Bono did all this while maintaining a 3.8 Grade Point Average.
As much as the classroom, playing soccer has been an educational experience for Bono as it has taught her three valuable lessons.
One is time management.
‘Always manage your time and more importantly, manage it well,? she said.
The second is determination.
‘We put our minds and bodies to the test everyday as athletes. We train and practice and compete,? Bono said. ‘We never give up.?
And finally there’s sportsmanship.
‘Winning is obviously fun, but losing gracefully is just as important ? not only on the field, but all through life,? Bono said.
Next year, she will move on to the next level by playing soccer at Oakland University.
‘Getting to where I am was not easy,? Bono told the young athletes. ‘You have to be willing to give up things most kids won’t.?
Sometimes that means staying in for the night while friends go out because there’s a game early the next day.
‘If you want to get to the next level, don’t settle,? Bono said. ‘Work hard for what you want and appreciate every aspect of your sport.
Ives, who lettered in football, baseball and basketball, reminded the middle school athletes of the importance of maintaining good grades.
‘You can’t play sports if you don’t have the grades,? he said. ‘Keeping your grades up throughout freshman year (and high school career) is very important.?