It was a bittersweet ceremony Sunday as the Oxford Athletic Boosters honored and said goodbye to the 69 high school senior athletes graduating later this week.
‘The reason why you feel so bad is because it’s been so good. It’s that simple,? said Bill Keenist, parent of Oxford quarterback and senior Billy Keenist. ‘The reason why you might be sad right now is because all this has made you so happy.?
Keenist, who works as the senior vice president of communication and marketing for the Detroit Lions, gave the keynote speech at the 2005-06 Senior Athletes Awards held at the OHS Performing Arts Center.
During his 25 years of involvement in major college and professional sports Keenist said, ‘I’ve come to meet and know and call friends some of the greatest names in sports.?
But ‘nothing compares to the experience of being a parent at Oxford High School,? he said. ‘It’s been incredible. I’m sure all the parents can relate to that.?
In their four years playing as Wildcats, the 38 male and 31 female athletes in the Class of 2006 earned a grand total of 256 varsity letters.
Each was presented a plaque from the Boosters recognizing their dedication and hard work.
Senior Kam Mueller was presented the George Prince Award, which honors the Best Male Athlete and is selected by a vote of the senior athletes.
During his high school career, Mueller earned a grand total of 10 varsity letters in football, wrestling and track.
‘It seemed like he was in every sport ? fall, winter, spring,? Athletic Director Pat Ball said.
Senior Genevieve Nelson was presented the Helen Smith Award, which recognizes the Best Female Athlete as voted on by the senior athletes.
Nelson earned a total of nine varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, track and soccer.
‘If you look at her athletic resume, she was in four sports as a junior,? Ball noted. ‘Seems like she never misses a practice. Always in every game.?
Although she didn’t play any sports her senior year, Angela Logan was presented the School Spirit Award.
Voted on by the senior athletes, the award honors somebody ‘they see at their games cheering them on,? according to Ball.
Awards, plaques and varsity letters are nice, but Keenist reminded everyone the important thing is to compete, to play the game.
‘You have two choices in life and sports,? he said. ‘The first choice is you don’t have to play.?
‘You’ll never lose a game. You’ll never throw an interception or fumble a ball. Or drop a baton on the last leg of a relay. You’ll never do anything.?
The other choice is to play.
‘You can enter the arena,? Keenist said. ‘And yes, it can be hard at times. And you’re going to get yelled at and you’re going to make mistakes. But you’re going to compete and be part of a team. And you’re going to make memories that will last a lifetime.?
Memories like bus rides to and from games.
‘Win or lose there’s nothing like that,? he said.
Memories of sounds.
‘The click-clack sound of the spikes on the cement walking from the locker room to the field. It’s the greatest sound in the world,? Keenist said.
Memories of the ‘friendships forged through tough times? and ‘unabashed love for teammates.?
‘You’ll remember that final tear shed with a teammate after that last game,? he said.
‘Those are the memories you’ll have,? Keenist explained. ‘Memories that can never be taken away from you.?
Even if they never play college or professional sports, Keenist told the senior athletes they already know what it’s like to compete at those levels because they played high school sports.
‘It’s all relative,? he explained. ‘Where you senior athletes have already been, it’s no different than what the pros do or the major colleges do. It’s all the same.?
‘The only difference is you don’t get paid for it. But what you have earned, however, is far more valuable in life.?
Keenist reminded the graduating seniors that as much as they may want to, they can’t go back in time and start all over again.
‘Like life and the Linden game, there are no replays.?