A Rose in the Disappointment

Elkhart Christian Academy's boys basketball team lost their sectional semi final game last night.

To a strong program just outside the Class A's top ten.

In double overtime.

It's a disappointment for the Class A, third ranked Eagles, who were hoping for more.  I have a hunch the disappointment will be short lived.

Not that ECA has a reload mentality about their sports programs.  This year's class of seniors went 17-5, a school best in the IHSAA era.  The program produced two 1,000 point scorers in Ryan Kupferschmid and Cory Waycaster.  It's a new high for the program, which made it's mark with relentless defense and unselfish passing.  It's a tough group to replace.

That unselfish style manifests itself off the court.

Cory Waycaster has grown into what could be a versatile small college player, should he desire: handles like a point guard with the capability of dunking.  The body he has built demands the question: "When injured, do you call a doctor or a vet?"

He will be pursuing college, a victory considering his parents have at least seven children in the home, several with special needs.  His parents have sacrificed for all the children in their care, and Cory has benefited from their work.  They are a tribute to how God provides.

I have a unique perspective on Ryan Kupferschmid: we carpooled with him his first year at ECA.  While that has been four years ago, he is still appreciative when we see him, and makes time to talk with us.  He was in an interesting situation: the new kid freshman who shows up with a middle schooler and three elementary students every day.  If he heard any teasing, we sure didn't detect it.  While he didn't socialize highly, he tolerated the younger kids with a quiet grace you don't see often.

He still talks to my son, Robby, on a consistent basis, who is now a freshman.  He is popular enough to be elected Homecoming King, something hard to imagine of the quiet freshman that inhabited our mini vans.  During the season, he would fall asleep in transport, a concession to the schedule of a varsity basketball player at a demanding school.

It comes from home.  Mrs. K., as my kids called her, became a highly enjoyed part of the commuting team.  It's clear the values started at home and are with him to this day.

Ryan's basketball skill level and knowledge of the game are worthy of college's highest level.  If he was 6'4" with the same package, he would be a D-I shooting guard.  He has written of a desire for Pastoral Studies.  Wherever God leads him, he will follow.

And some coach is getting a great basketball player...and better person.

No...I'm not off base on this one.