The Football Dilemma

As a family, we rarely make time to sit down and watch a ball game on television. However, intrigued by the spirit of those in our community, we recently decided to sit down and watch the Chiefs as they battled for the AFC Championship. Certainly an entertaining match-up was observed as the Bengals finally won the game in overtime.

Having not watched a football game for a year, I was taken aback by the commentary throughout the game. It was as though the quarterback was the only player who really mattered. The victory pivoted solely on the performance of a single person.

Now, we must not discount the importance of a great leader. However, what is a leader without a team. I suppose it is convenient to blame defeat on the back of the man at the top; yet is it just as convenient for the leader to take sole responsibility for a victory?

How interesting would it be to hear a football game where the commentators gave equal amounts of criticism and praise to every player on the field?

A football team can not be made up entirely of quarterbacks. Nor can a successful team compose itself entirely of leaders. However, when the achievements are made and the work is done, credit should be given to all who took part.

To the friends who took time away from their families to be a part of this mission, we send our deepest thanks. You were there as we built over a mile of seven strand just in time for winter. Some of you driving over an hour one way, weekend after weekend because you knew it had to be done. You were there when it was time to load the bison for butcher despite the dangers of the task at hand, even waiting patiently as I nerded out watching the processor dissect the carcasses. You plowed the driveway to the ranch when the snow drifted us in. You were there to help when a tree fell on the fence allowing a bull to wander loose. We may not have gotten it back in that day, but we both know I needed the exercise. You had no fear when it came time to work the cattle even though the facilities were far from complete. You rode countless hours on the seat of a 4320 as you kept the windrows raked in front of the baler, suffering minor brain damage from bouncing your head off the bottom side of the canopy. You lent a truck and trailer when it was time to haul hay in from the fields, even if it was just a Chevy…

To the wife who has been by my side even when my ideas may seem far fetched, your support is everything. And to the children who share in my excitement for every new born calf, every round bale that comes out of the baler, and every juicy home raised burger we eat, your energy is what keeps me young at heart.

Whether you felt like you were the lineman, wide receiver, running back or water boy this season, we all played an essential part in the success of Cheha Ranch. Let us all toast to another year filled with great memories made with even greater friends.