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6/4/07 The upset-minded Brighton High School girls soccer team gave a valiant effort Saturday, in their hopes of dethroning the two-time State defending champions the Novi Wildcats, especially in light of the fact that one of their players had boldly proclaimed that ‘Novi would crash and burn this year.’ But alas, it wasn’t to be, even though across the state there were plenty of upsets to go around. A talented Ann Arbor Pioneer girls soccer team fell to underdog Canton 3-1, and #2 state-ranked East Kentwood was upset in the first round as well. In District baseball action last weekend, the #1 team in the State, the Northville Mustangs, were defeated by Farmington 4-3, and #2 state-ranked Troy was also beaten. And who amongst us would have predicted the Cleveland Cavaliers would’ve advance to the NBA Finals after rising up from a 2-0 deficit to win the next four games? It’s Upset City… If there is one thing all of those heavily favored teams might learn from the Novi Girls Soccer unit, it’s that you never take anything for granted. On any given day, in a single-game affair, the team that everybody expects to win might find themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard, especially if they assumed they have a God-given right to win. Novi's soccer banquet revealed a level of maturity that is rarely seen in high school sports. The enthusiasm and sincerity from the coaching staff on down underscores a mentality that there is more at stake here than simple wins and losses and soccer strategy. Winning is a result. It’s a result of the constant repetition of good habits, work ethic, desire, teamwork and of course passion… Passion for the game, passion for your fellow teammates, and passion for the blessings with which this group has been bestowed. It is a fortuitous event that so many talented players happen to be passing through at precisely the same time in history, but it is equally propitious that they are managed by an enlightened coaching staff that truly cares about people. They are like a family, and the fact is, these are young developing human beings. In the grand scheme, soccer will have been an ephemeral part of their life. Somehow amidst the pressure of winning and living up to multiple expectations, they are well-grounded thanks to the leadership of a Coaching staff that puts people first, and x’s and o’s second. It wouldn’t be fair or accurate to say that this team wins simply because they have more talent. It is never enough to win on talent alone, just ask the Detroit Pistons. Right now, they are pretty upset. (c) 2007 Novi
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