One more soliloquyā¦
I owe the architects of the resurgence a long overdue acknowledgement, and an apology.
As far as my eye can see (I havenāt been involved with FC since ā22-23), this initiative is largely being spearheaded by the parents of the graduating senior class. It is well-worth supporting, and they as individuals love FC more than I do.
Backstory: so I came back in 2019. COVID messed up a lot of the continuity, and basically Spring of 2021 was playing catch-up & trying to get things ready for ā21-22. Basically the Athletic Association I came into slipped out of my hands (turnover/retirements), and I didnāt fully get that until Fall 21. I was one of two who stayed. It was a full line switch, full of new faces. I was kind of, I guess, the one link the organization had for continuity?
One thing about this cohort is all of the kids in this class, IIRC, are their oldest. So itās a pretty tightly-knit group that went through the ropes together over the years, and theyāre new to FC as parents. Letās just say that I struggle to read the room, at times!
One of the difficulties with being the odd man out isnāt a matter of not feeling heard, but itās a matter of not hearing what everyone else has to say. And me, a hardened, headstrong person with clinical Yappimania, it does not really add for much productivity in the room. I didnāt mind putting myself out there in front of people I didnāt really know.
I left in ā22-23 because I felt it was best for everyone involved. I had some hard feelings about it at the time, but it comforted me to remember I was doing what I thought was best.
When I took a step back, let time pass, and found myself back in the gym on two separate occasions (BBK v MP ā23-24; GBK v MP ā24-25) I saw beautiful things. Like seeing color for the first time. I got to see momentum, energy, passion, all at heightened levels the likes of which I had never seen before. I got to see a better place, and a better FC. There were too many times when I was passionate, thinking that barking out āSTART COUNTING

ā (or yelling āTHATS A SQUEEZE CALL

ā at HPU in baseball) was how to show energy and passion, and here all along it was done by
action. Dedicated volunteerism, creative programming. Community servants ā putting the whole in front of the individual.
Very similar to many of our forefathers from the same Emerald Isle when they got off the boat. They banded together, put in the cornerstones to form a church, from which the church was their cornerstone to community. Shared principles, shared identity. Persevered through turbulent times. I step back, and started to see them as humble, selfless stewards of my school.
Thereās a lot of talent in this cohort leading the charge for the best FC imaginable. A lot of passion and conviction. I think what really moves me is they come from proud traditions themselves (BSJ, TCC, NC, BR? and of course FC.) Thereās no doubt that if they had magic wands to wave, theyād wave it for pieces of their heart too.
This cohort has given a massive amount of themselves to the community, out of the goodness of their hearts. I admit that I often struggled to see it in the beginning, and Iām sorry to have not given the appreciation due. FC has the best facilities in the MSL and Fairfield County thanks to them.
I was wrong to not give them more of a chance in my time. More so, I was wrong to be adversarial and being a source of pain. I think I know what itās like to feel unappreciated; that your fight is lonely. That no one understands why something bothers you. Iām not going to pretend to know whatās it like to feel unappreciated when you sacrifice so much more than whatās asked of you, and thatās before having to deal with my thankless as.
ā ā ā
Iāll also take this moment to honor two parents from that class in particular. When I did FC-MP boys game in 23, I did come in with some trepidation. I had some emotions that were difficult to work through about coming home to do the radio. Radioās on the stage, so everyone sees you. After the game you break down the equipment. Both the dads came up, and all I remember looking back was how kind they were & how cathartic it was for me in the moment. They knew who I was (again didnāt know me well), and I think they picked up on some of the āreturning homeā uneasiness I felt. They comforted me, and saw that I was doing what I could for their kids in a better and different way.
Feb24 I broke my foot āin halfā in a freak work accident. Couldnāt walk (could not bear weight) for six months. The injury ripped me to shreds on so many levels. I went to Central Crossing for boys sectional, and they asked what happened & gave their best wishes. Apr24 I went to Beavers to get my FC baseball fix (since you canāt crutch your way to FCās diamond.) They both acknowledged me, came up and embraced me. It was powerful. When it was at FC they saw my pain on the inside, when it was at Beavers they saw my pain on the outside. They didnāt owe a single thing of themselves to me, and yet they gave a piece of themselves to acknowledge my humanity.
It was powerful.
ā ā ā
Iāve waited fifteen years for the day when Iād learn that FC will be OK. FC is going to be more than OK. FC is going to⦠well, thatās for the rest of yāall to see 5-10 years from now.
Iāve waited fifteen years for the day that my mind, heart and soul comes to its ease. It seems like the best time to decide to let them take it from here, supporting them how they see fit if theyād find it useful.
Iāve waited fifteen years for this day, and itās possible thanks to these soldiers for the cause. Better soldiers than I. From the bottom of my heart, and behalf of all FC alumni I know: thanks for everything so far, and thank you for making sure that Fisher received the best out of you. Something that I could not do.