The World Could Use More Cowboys

There is no use avoiding the fact that this year’s boys and girls Cowboys teams have failed to wow anyone with their number of wins.  In fact both teams have barely managed to stay out of dead last place in their conference.  Many outsiders would look at the records and see the blowout losses and scoff or feel pity for the lowly Cowboys.  Neither team is lacking in numbers with both the boys and girls teams able to field a full varsity and jv team.  Each coaching staff seems to be knowledgeable and have experience, so what is the problem?  Well at the risk of being too blunt it simply boils down to lack of depth when it comes to natural talent.  Despite their numbers the Cowboys just don’t have the talent this year that many of their opponents do.  Now if it sounds like I am being too harsh on the North Gem teams stay with me and continue to read on because despite the numerous big losses both on the road and at home you would never know it by watching the players or fans.  I have attended several North Gem games this season both for the girls and boys teams.  There have been several moments where I have found myself wincing at the score and wondering how a team continues to show up night after night?  In those moments I look around the old gym in Bancroft and I see fans still cheering with enthusiasm and players still working hard and enjoying themselves.  I even see smiles and high fives.  How can fans and players still enjoy themselves so much when they have seen so little success on the scoreboard?  The only explanation has to be that is just how Cowboys operate.  Just like the original Cowboys of the old west who saw plenty of hardships along the way and had to continue down the trail, the North Gem Cowboys have a job to do and they are going to finish it come rain or shine.  And just like the old west cowboys the North Gem players can rest well when their long ride is over knowing that they put in an honest day’s work and gave everything they had.  

About five years ago the University of Wyoming who shares the Cowboy mascot started a new ad campaign with the catch phrase “The World Needs More Cowboys.”  Last week the North Gem boys and girls teams suffered three more blowout losses to conference foes proving they have little chance of winning any district tournament games but you probably would not have guessed that by the play of the athletes and the cheers from their fans.  In a world where some will say winning is everything I say the world needs more Cowboys. 

 By the way the Lady Cowboys will be having senior night Friday night.  I highly recommend making the trip to Bancroft for what will assuredly be a good time.