On September 12, my New York based high school will welcome back the Class of 1968.
I can't wait to see all my classmates, especially the boys I played baseball with.
Eight seniors were in the starting lineup for the 1968 Walt Whitman Wildcats.
I understand seven of the eight will be there that evening.
Six of the seven I haven't seen since June 1968.
I will be writing about that event next month.
All of this heavy nostalgia takes me back to a special letter I came across from a high school senior, dated January 20. 1997.
Here is that letter reprinted in its entirety.
Dear Mr. Tarde
First off, I would like to apologize to you for not getting back to you sooner, but I am sure you understand what a typical high school senior is all about nowadays.I would also like to to let you know how vital a role I feel you played in my success on the field this past season.
Away from the visualization aspect for right now, and to the simple motivation and confidence you instilled in me during such critical times. One instance that stands out for me was the pre-game talk you gave to the team, as well as to me personally, before the University game, the first home game of the season. Your words just rang in my ears as I was on the field playing not just the game of my season, but rather the game of my life. I just felt so strong on that night, like my mind and my body were working in perfect unison. It just catapulted me through the whole season. Another instance was the Oceanside game in which we went into the locker room down and out. You took me aside and said that if Torrey Pines Falcons are to be victorious tonight, they will need someone to rally behind and that someone needs to be you. And as we walked onto that field in the second half, I stopped the team to let them know that I would lead them against and past the Oceanside Pirates if they would follow, and follow they did and win we did. This was probably one of the greatest single experiences of my life and for that I thank you!
On to the visulaization aspect, before I start crying, I must say that this is a power that I have always been aware of, but just have not known how to control. Before this season, very few people thought I would have what it takes to lead out offense (Steve's note, Before this game, John was a returning all league linebacker, but had not played a game as running back). Hell, I didn't even think that I would start at running back this year, but I did. And every Thursday night, I would sit in my bed and in the complete darkness and see myself running by people. I don't know if it just kept my nerves under control or if there was some greater power at work, but it never let me down. I knew if I could see myself doing something than I could really do it. I remember one play in particular that really stood out, during the Ramona game as we were coming to the huddle. I remember thinking and saying to myself, I am going to catch a 5 yard out and take the ball 40 yards for a touchdown. I saw the play in my mind and I could feel it in my bones, and when I heard the play called, I knew it was all to real.
Once again, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to you for truly making my seaon something I will never forget. And if I promsie to be more prompt in responding to letters, I would love to hear from you on a regular basis. I also would like to let you know that I am planning on continuing my football career at the college level, so I would like very much to keep in touch.
Sincerely.
John Principi
Class of 1997
Torrey Pines High School
San Diego, California
Update: Today, John is the Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Torrey Pines High. Do you think he has passed on the power I taught to him over a decade ago?
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