Last night when we got home from Beatrice the seniors hung their cleats on the goal post. It was bittersweet. This senior class has seen a lot. I am tremendously thankful for the leadership that they provided, both on and off the field. They are quality young men. I am proud of what they have done. I am more proud of who they are.
The class B bracket came out this morning. We weren't on it. We knew this would be the case based on the new qualifying format. It is a format that needs a lot of reform. Despite going 6-3, being 9th in power points, and having a win over a team in the 16 team bracket, we will check in gear next week while others continue on. This isn't a fault of the NSAA. It's a fault of the system brought to them by the member schools.
The system failed, predictably. It should get fixed, and I have confidence that those that created it will acknowledge its failed status, then make changes for next fall. The reason for my post is to ask that the system failure not overshadow the accomplishments of this team. I am as mad as anyone that we didn't get an opportunity to advance to the playoffs. Being mad doesn't fix it. I'd prefer to focus on what this team and group of seniors accomplished.
I am grateful for them.