When I picked up Ph. from futbol practice this morning noon,
he reported–big smile–that he’s been offered a spot on the varsity squad.
We’re happy for him, of course, and he’s excited, encouraged by the invitation.
Still, of sophomores on varsity, I’m of, oh…say, twelve or thirteen minds.
I’ll bother mentioning just a few of them. Consider:

• Sitting the bench as a sophomore is a waste of time. Take advantage of
  practices or it’s a lost season of development.
• The sophomore on JV is likely to get minutes, has a shot at a leadership
  role, develops confidence and gains valuable experience.
• If older players aren’t watched and the going gets tough (as in a sub-.500
  season), underclass players can sponge it up, suffer the brunt of it.
• A right-headed sophomore who toughs it out (persistent and dependable
  effort, attends everything on time, etc.) stands to develop a better
  relationship with the v. coach.

Probably sounds like I’m anticipating the worst. Bad case of parental wariness.
Because no. 2 in the list best describes my experience with H.S. sports, I’m
burdened with a mild when-I-was-young bias. Of course this isn’t just
some arbitrary and inconsequential scenario. It’s the scenario. So
I’d better get busy suppressing my apprehensions, let this fine opportunity run
its course, and relax knowing that Ph. will make the most of it, like he always
does.