Beech Tree News Network

I’ve never been a big basketball fan, and yes, I know those are blasphemous words in the state of Kentucky—I repent in sack cloth and ashes.  However, there are a couple of stories this season that have made me sit up and take notice.  They both involve people who make it a point to be there for their teams.  They aren’t coaches, not assistants, not water boys , nor equipment managers, they are fans who insist on supporting their teams.   People who are always present, win or lose.

                The first story, I saw on ABC News about a week ago.  It followed Paula and Franklin Grooms, ages 75 and 82.  They are fans of the Clemson Tigers basketball team.  The couple sees the team off when they leave for a game then welcomes them back when they return.  Because the team usually leaves at 3 am for away games, Paula and Franklin are usually the only two there to wish them luck.  The same goes for the team’s return.  It’s usually late at night when everyone in the dorms is fast asleep, but Paula and Franklin are there, ready to hug each player in order to congratulate or encourage them.  According to PostandCourrier.com, the tradition started ten years ago when Paula realized there was no one there for the team when they left or returned.  “It just hit me,” she said, “and I thought, this isn’t good.  They need somebody to love them.”  The whole team makes sure they get their hugs from Paula and Franklin, some go back for seconds.

                The second story was about Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, 98-year-old Chaplain to the Loyola Ramblers.  If you’ve been watching the NCAA play-off games, you know who The Loyola Ramblers are.  If not, let me enlighten you.  The Loyola Ramblers are from Chicago.  They are the ultimate Cinderella team, and Sister Jean is their biggest fan.  Before each game, Sister Jean prays with the team and gives them a scouting report.  When asked by one reporter if she prays for the other teams, she said, “Yes, but not as hard.”

                Sister Jean has always enjoyed immense popularity on the Loyola campus, leading to the school making her an official Bobble Head seven years ago (currently sold out but more are on the way).  “I think that her biggest ministry on campus is being present to the students.  And when students see her or faculty see her, they just know that this person is filled with love,” said Michael Martinez, a student (Foxnews.com).

                The school newspaper ran an op-ed entitled, “An Open Letter To Pope Francis: Please Make Sister Jean A Saint.”  The piece went on to say Sister Jean had performed the two miracles required for sainthood when she prayed for the team and they won the first two games of the tournament (Foxnews.com).

                The Loyola Ramblers have made it to the Final Four.  The games will be played in San Antonio, Texas, on March 31^st, Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter).  I wouldn’t want to bet against them.