“Kent”………

Kent was a junior when I was a senior, and I only knew him from being on the football team (which he had unremarkable athletic skills).

Saturday afternoon, October 31, I remember being in the locker room dressing for our football game and most of the pre game conversation was about the “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that was going on that night.

During halftime in the locker room down 21-0, the conversation was about the “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that was going on that night.

During most of the huddles, the conversation was about the “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that was going on that night.

In the locker room after our 35-0 loss, the conversation was about the “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that was going on that night.

So about 2 am, Little Johnny Sophomore came home blind stinking Navy shore leave shitfaced.  10 minutes later the parents are on the phone calling the school superintendent asking why alcohol was served at a school function.  Little Johnny Sophomore had lied to his parents about where he was going that night.  Little Johnny Sophomore went to that “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that was going on that night.

Little Johnny Sophomore spilled his guts literally and figuratively and told the superintendent and the football coaches all about that “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that went on that night.

We had our final game the next Saturday (Parent’s Day) and at the Monday team meeting, we knew something was up as it didn’t look like we were going to review last weeks game film.

The head coach goes on to tell us that he’s disappointed in the actions of some of the team and that he in fact knows that some on the team were at that “AWESOME HALLOWEEN PARTY” that went on that night.  He also said that did not know for a fact of  each person that was drinking that night and he was going to give the team a choice:  He could suspend everyone  that he knew was at the party and take the chance that some of the guilty would not be held accountable, or the team could decide amongst ourselves to have anyone that was at the party admit it and be suspended.

So a great debate was voraciously had for about 20 minutes with many of the guilty willing to take the chance that they were not on the list.  It was at this point that Kent stood up and said, “I can’t believe that all of you are trying not to accept responsibility for what you know you did.  I’m not going to stay and watch anymore of this cowardice.” (quote is taken from the best memory that I could muster).  Kent then stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.  This left most in a state of confusion and of realization.  The team then agreed that all of the guilty would admit it and take the punishment.

For the seniors, they were allowed to participate in the Parent’s Day activities but not the game.

We had a small team and with the amount of members suspended, several of us ended up playing both ways for the final game and I played every play of the game.  Glory Days…  Real shame, this is a game we might have even won.  My varsity years we went 1-17.

Oh, one more thing about Kent, he had an appointment to West Point.  I never knew who gave him that appointment but wondered if his character played into that.   I was always impressed with what he said and did that day.

For fun, below is a team photo:

In this photo are:

Me

A girl

Marine LT Colonel

Army Major

Air Force F-15 pilot

Navajo Indian

NFL player