Alright folks, grabbed my notebook, my camera that’s seen better days, and headed out bright and early to the dang stadium. Heard the Wolverines Football team was holding their Lake George roster meet-and-greet thing today, you know, where they show off the players and coaches for the season. Figured it’d be good material.
First thing, gotta find out where the heck they’re even setting up. Asked like three different guys in yellow jackets, felt like a lost puppy circling the parking lot. Finally spotted a bunch of banners flapping near the main gate. Bingo. Crowd was already gathering, parents mostly, bunch of excited kids too. Atmosphere was buzzing, kinda loud. Good start, I thought.
Got my little press pass clipped on – kinda flimsy, felt like it might blow off any second – and squeezed through to where they had the players and coaches lined up behind these tables. Looked official enough. They had these big boards with names and numbers. Had to squint. Could not see squat. Needed to get closer.
Actually Meeting the Guys
Started walkin’ down the line, snapping some pics. My camera’s old, takes a second to focus, hope they turned out okay. Aimed to chat with as many as I could. Honestly, felt a bit awkward just butting in while parents were talking to their own kids.
- First coach I bumped into was this big fella, defensive coordinator. Talked fast. Explained their strategy focus this year – something about “containing the edge” – but honestly, it flew over my head a bit. Seemed passionate though, fired up.
- Chatted with the new quarterback recruit. Kid looked nervous as heck. Could barely get two words out, just kept nodding. Offered him a water bottle I had spare – seemed grateful. Guess it’s tough being in the spotlight.
- The running back, number 32? Now he was a character. Loud, laughing, joking with everyone. Signed autographs for kids with a big grin. Told me he’d been lifting weights like crazy all summer. Could tell, arms like tree trunks.
- The head coach was smoother. Patiently shook hands, smiled for pics. Talked about “building character” and “community”. Classic coach speak, but you could tell he meant it. Seemed tired too – probably been juggling all this roster stuff for weeks.
Snagged one of those printed rosters off the table before they all disappeared. Got a few autographs scribbled on it – mostly for the kids swarming around. My hand got kinda cramped holding the camera and notebook.
The Wrap Up
Hung around for a while, watched some of the players run a few quick drills on the field. Not really a practice, more like a show. Was getting hot out, sun beating down. Started to pack up my gear.
But honestly? The best part wasn’t the rosters or the drills. It was seeing the players just… talk. One lineman helping a little kid hold a football properly. A couple of the older guys, probably seniors, genuinely chatting with some younger players. Made it feel less like names on a paper and more like… people. Bit of a cliché, yeah, but there it is.
Headed home, got the photos dumped onto my laptop – they actually turned out alright mostly. That roster sheet? It’s lying on my desk next to my cold coffee now. Good reminder of the human stuff behind the helmets. Still gotta write all this up properly though.
