Speaking of Sports Column Archive

Speaking
of
Sports

by
Bernie
Fratto

Who Says you Can’t
Go Home Again?

‘You may say, that I’m a dreamer,
But I’m not the only one’
- John Lennon

10/7/07

Back on a rainy night in late August, after watching the Novi Wildcats give up a 65-yard pass play for a touchdown on their first defensive play of the season, few could’ve envisioned the glorious setting Friday evening.

Homecoming night. The visiting South Lyon Lions. A battle for sole possession of first place in the KVC. A chance for the 6th win and another trip to the MHSAA playoffs. Top it all off with a game-time temperature of 82 degrees and a tremendous turnout from friends, family, alumni and locals and it all added up to a perfect setting for high school football fans, especially if you’re a Novi resident.

The net result? Novi 24, South Lyon 7 in a contest that the Wildcats owned from start to finish.

It is very gratifying to see a team come together and reach their potential in way that underscores how good things can happen when you play the game the right way, and you have a kindred spirit between the coaching staff, the senior leaders and the supporting cast, of which everyone deserves credit.

Another Homecoming victory, another KVC Title waits in the wings and another venture into the District Playoffs? Well, let’s just say that this is like coming home for the Wildcats.

After a brief hiatus in 2006, this will be 8th trip to the postseason in their last 9 years. That is quite a tribute to a coaching staff that knows what it takes to repeat success.

And, home games for the Wildcats have become a thing to behold. Large crowds, pomp and circumstance, and an opportunity for people to congregate and enjoy a first class product that involves young men that are growing up before your eyes.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that this team had a chance to be pretty good, and they were better than they believed they were. After what was originally an 0-2 start, it only would’ve been human to think a KVC title and another postseason berth would be a dream. But, dreams come true every day to those that believe.

Welcome home 'Cats, you’re back where you belong.

And, make no mistake… You belong

The dream is now a reality.

___________________________________
Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker. His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto. "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.