One of the passions we have here is high school football. Every Friday we have the privilege of working on the scout team for one of the local schools. This means we get to go to one of the KLAA games of the week for free but we have to stand atop the press box and tape the game. This great for a number of reasons (except in bad weather) but the biggest is that we see a game that we have no emotional attachment to. By that I mean we can enjoy it without being disappointed one way or the other with the outcome; we can enjoy "pure" football.
For the most part there seems to be a bond, or mutual respect between scout teams. We share things about the school we're working for, things in our community, etc., it's a PR opportunity we all seem take pride in. Then, you meet these "NFL Film wannabes" who just think their fecal matter doesn't stink. Well it does...even atop the press box when the wind howling, they stink. These clowns last night (whose school will remain nameless) were unsociable, rude and complained constantly---about EVERYTHING and took all the enjoyment out of the evening. It wasn't a question of immaturity, at least not in the sense of their age but they did act like spoiled brats, they were older gentlemen that you would expect more courtesy and patience from. But all night long they were rude to host facility and the people who worked that home game for their school deserved better. These two clowns obviously thought they deserved better.
We get there relatively early to claim our position atop the press box of course but you know that there will be at least three other schools up there with you (the other scout team and the two team playing that night) so you accommodate and work things out. It's kind of brotherhood and there's a lot of mutual respect. Remember this is high school sports, it should be clean, wholesome and fun---football at it's purest. Then there are the "NFL Film wannabes". When we get there and these two have half the press box roof in use. I kid you not. We set up at the 50 yard line---a primo spot we usually don't get and the other two schools, the band videographer and three parents with cameras are ALL to our left; because there is literally no room to our right. Ten years ago you would look at all that equipment and say "Wow!", now you look at all that equipment and say "wow?".
Not only did this school's scout team use up half the press box roof, they used up half the outlets. Some of you may not know this but batteries tend to expire quicker in cold weather so it's nice that facilities have four outlets atop their press boxes. Four outlets, four schools, seems kind of basic and understandable to most videographers, kind of an unwritten law between scout teams but not these gentlemen. It was apparent to all of us there what was going on, but other than some casual glances, rolled eyes, etc. we said nothing. Again, with the unwritten code we realize we are representing our schools, our communities and continually try to take the high road; also it was apparent what our host school was dealing with these guys so words were not necessary. Which really comes down to the shame of it all, these two clowns were representing a school, a community and doing a terrible job of it! I know three schools that came away with a negative impression about them their school and their community. You try to look past it but if these actions are condoned and allowed by an institution you have to wonder. There were probably were some wonderful young men out there last night playing the game for the fun of it, proud to represent their school but their efforts were tainted by the egos of some adults that smell of fecal matter.
We have done video work for thirty years now so we feel pretty confident giving you our take on the situation. Enough rambling of the negative there is too much positive out there for us to enjoy. More on the Performances @ The Well shows for October and November soon. Until later enjoy Game Day and stay tuned.
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