Just Doin' Their Thing

When assuming the Jacksonville Crimsons' high school boys' basketball position, one of the first things I did was to bring together the the cheerleading sponsor, the dance/Pom Sponsors and the band director. I impressed upon those activities' leaders that I did not perceive 'game-night' as basketball ONLY but instead, I wished for our game nights to be 'a happening.' I made it clear that if they got together and orchestarted their combined contributions rather than compete for time, we would become a 'model' for Friday/Saturday nights' high school basketball. They DID and we BECAME!

Perhaps a missed-communication occurred between games activities and custodian, Stanley  Tendick's charge to sweep the court-floor...here's what happened: A Pom dancer was performing her 'award-winning' ribbon-dance as Stanley began his back and forth push-broom duties. The dance routine was a picture of poetry-in-motion as the young girl tossed the ribbon about and did various spinning moves toward the ribbon only to reach to the floor swooping the ribbon up and tossing it once again into the air. The capacity-crowd was applauding periodically. Suddenly there was an uncanny eerie stillness as Stanley's broom moved ever so much closer and closer to the ribbon each time it was tossed to the floor. A loud "Oooooh! filled the air when Stanley's wide push-broom came within inches from sweeping the ribbon to the opposite end of the gym floor. Stanley was unaware of the potential disaster and the dancer was too focused to consider any thing but 'hitting her spot with music timing.' For a brief moment one might think the whole damn thing was rehearsed.

Finally, the hand wringing performance ended to a standing ovation. I believe the young girl and Stanley were pleased completing their respective charges. I do know the audience was a buzz with joy and post performance relief.

The next day, Principal Ed Wainscott told me to have a talk with Stanley. It seems that Mr. Wainscot told Stanley not to sweep the floor that night but Stanley ignored the order. When Wainscott questioned Stanley's disobedience, Stanley said, "You ain't the boss of The Bowl, Coach Roustio is The Bowl Boss." Stanley had absolutely no idea who the hell Ed Wainscott was!
(Touch)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ijvrHrdHVS