It could not be more Grim...

Goodness...for once we aren't talking about health or diagnostic results. Welcome to SportsTalk Lompoc, and a discussion of the "alumni" perception that accompanies local football

The strange week enabled me to watch Nephew Dalton play again, this time a home game against Righetti High.

First off, I was highly impressed with the sound that the tiny band generated. Thirty-six kids made real music...although once upon a time the Marching Braves suited 81 performers, always starting with a 9X9 formation. Curtie would have been disappointed that the trumpets were in the background, but the trombones sounded great. Hard to hear anyone in a woodwind section when there are only seven of them. The drumline watches the movie too often, apparently, and needs to realize they aren't the only people making music happen. Between songs, a football game broke out...

I've never really worried much about those "monied alumni" who seem to continually gripe about their favorite college losing too often, whimper about schedules, and try to get coaches fired. Someone wins, someone loses. Those who pay too much for coaches, when the records really depend on the vagaries of 20 year-olds, need to find another hobby.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/286586-would-charlie-weis-step-down-notre-dames-best-case-coaching-scenario

On the other hand, I’ve received phone calls in the past two weeks from Lompoc alumni who have NOTHING to do with the athletic program. They compliment young Dalton, or want to know “who is this other Chambers kid--are you related?” Somewhere in the conversation, the question arises: “how in the world can they be 0-9?” “I thought WE were always good…I sure don’t remember losing very many games in high school.” If we wanted to really check the records, these folks are major contributors via the golf tournament, but none of us wants to act like "monied alumni."

It turns out that the graduating class of '71 watched exactly 12 losses in four years. That includes the season-ending CIF games. Once upon a time only the league champions went to CIF and they played ‘til they lost. In one season, Lompoc was undefeated before losing to Cabrillo, costing them any chance at a play-off position. The current Braves have lost NINE times this year.

http://www.santamariatimes.com/sports/article_f700a5da-cb7c-11de-b32c-001cc4c03286.html

It might be the size of the team, the size of the kids. It may be a lack of organization. It may be that they’ve become accustomed to losing. As a member of a golf team that went 0-24, I know how humiliating it can be to step into a game and know you have little chance of success. It is never fun, no matter how much one’s friends cheer for you, or your parents suggest that it "builds character." "I have all the character I need, we need a WIN!!"

I hope for is that these young men take great pride when they eventually win something. It could be an intra-mural championship in college, or a goofy, cocktail-driven golf tournament. I’ll bet they’d prefer it to be the city rivalry with Cabrillo, however…and wish them the very best on Friday night.

Thank goodness it isn’t available on webcast, I’d be tempted to listen in…