Coach Hughes' Corner

What to talk about on this edition of the almost world famous Coach Hughes' Corner. Well, I had it all figured out. We were going to discuss(well, me type, you read) the ins and outs of coaches meetings regarding seed meeting, all-conference picks, and so forth. But after last nights world news, I am going to tell you where, what, and how I felt about 10 years ago.

It was a normal Fall morning, September 11th 2001. I was in my Junior year of college at St. Mary College in Leavenworth, KS. I had a pretty good routine by this time and was taking really early morning classes due to baseball practice and workouts. I had a 7:00 am Human Sexuality and Psychology class. I got up and went to class like normal, and then would stop by the register office on my way back to breakfast and get some candy and talk to the ladies in the office. This is when I first heard of the plane accidently hitting a building in New York. I immediately skipped breakfast and went to the dorm rooms to watch tv. By the time I got there, the lobby on 4th floor was full. The 2nd plane had hit and we were now under attack. It hit really hard to us on 4th floor for 2 reasons. We were less than 5 miles from Fort Leavenworth, which is where most of the higher ups in the army were stationed. Rumor had it that, if someone wanted to hurt the US military, Fort Leavenworth was the best target. This put us all on edge and of course rumors and gossip began to fly immediately that Fort Leavenworth could be attacked. This was devastating to most everyone, but not the main reason of the 2 that we on 4th floor was concerned. Dan Flygare was a Freshman and lived right across the hall from me. We had became really good friends and hung out all the time. After the 2nd plane crashed and it was announced that a 3rd one was suspected of being high jacked, Dan lost it emotionally. After calming him down, we found out the reason. His dad is a pilot for Delta Air lines and was scheduled to fly out of New York that morning. He or his mother could not reach his dad and no reports of which planes were hijacked was being released. After hours of watching the tv, going to no class that day, and comforting a friend, we received word that his dad was ok. He was not allowed off his plane due to the circumstances and his flight was grounded after the 1st plane crashed. He had left his cell phone in his bag that was in the baggage part of the plane and could not contact anyone while he was on the plane. I remember feeling numb and shocked more than anything. I was just 20 years old and remember being told in high school and college history classes that we, the United States, were the 800 pound gorilla and that we wouldn't be attacked on our soil again. I don't think I really ever felt mad or angered during that day. More of "I can't believe this." I had no ties to New York or the army other than friends of friends. I was still young enough to have the 'who cares' attitude. But as the days went by, and the 'normal' activities of America started back up, I, like many Americans became upset or mad. Everytime a baseball game or football game came on tv and they played the National Anthem, or CNN would report that Bush was sending more troops to find the person or people responsible, I would get even more upset. As time went by, my anger would reside some, but I would never forget.
Now almost 10 years later, I am reminded of my anger towards some individual or group of individuals that I never knew. I am also a firm believer that this action taken on Osama Bin Laden, one person, does not make up for the 1000's that were killed because of his beliefs and reasons. I, like so many other Americans, don't believe in the doings of these terrorists. And believe that we should stand up for our fallen family and friends. But, being a Christian, I am having trouble agreeing with these actions, even though I celebrated with other Americans late last night and this morning. One of the most misinterpreteded verses in the bible is the verse that says, "An eye for and eye......". But in Matthew 5:38-39 Jesus clearly tells us, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." I am not sure how to hold this up.
This kind of takes us to my 1st idea on this Corner. I can't wait for our seed meeting on Wednesday morning. I have been stewing and upset all winter and spring regarding this district and the way a few coaches turned against us in a way. We have to go to Ash Grove because of some coaches voting against us hosting it. And those coaches will be looking at a low seed. Karma! Oh, wait, Coach Hughes, turn the other cheek. Have a good week and God Bless America!