Purpose

There was a young man who enrolled in one of the universities in the Big Ten Conference. As a freshman he went out for football and made the team. He was placed as defensive end, and maintained this position throughout the four years of college. He was a dedicated and dependable player, but never brilliant or outstanding enough to the point of being noticed in any special way. he played well enough to make the team each year, but that was about all. He never was a "starter."

Then, in his senior year, the team had done extremely well, and was tied for championship of the Big Ten. The play-off games was to be played on Saturday. It was Monday, and the team was practicing, showing their excitement and anticipation as they went through their drills enthusiastically. The coach was called to the sidelines by one of the school officials and was notified that a telegram had arrived for this particular young man. The telegram was notification that his father, who was his only living relative, had died unexpectedly. The coach called the young man to the sidelines and told him the tragic news. "Son, I know you'll be going home for the funeral, and I don't want you to worry at all about the practices or even the game. I'll understand completely if you don't come to Saturday's game."

"Coach," said the boy, "I'll be back for that game. I'll go home for the funeral, but I'll be back for the game."
Saturday arrived and the big game was just two hours away. So far, the young man had not returned; but somehow the coach was not surprised when he came running into the dressing room. He got into his uniform quickly and then sought out the coach.

"Coach," he said, "Please could I start the game today. It means a great deal to me; please, Coach."
The coach knew that he certainly must be rather upset about his father's funeral, and the trip back, and wondered if it would be wise, as this was THE game of the year. But, thinking about it a few minutes and feeling how much it meant to the young man, he said, "OK--first time we are on defense, you'll go in." The coach figured that he couldn't do too much damage at the first of the game, and he could always replace him if he didn't do well at his position.

The game started and the team was on offence. The coach caught the young man out of the corner of his eye a couple of times, sitting on the edge of the bench anxious for his turn to come.

And then it happened. Fourth down and punting situation. After the other team got the ball, the defensive unit was on the field, including the young man. Well, it is hard to say who was the most surprised that afternoon--the coach, the fans, the players ... for this young man's play was inspired. He was in on almost every play, and made several outstanding unassisted tackles. Each time the team was on defense the coach put him back in and each time he did an outstanding job. He'd never played football like this in his life, and the coach was amazed. He was on the sidelines watching the miracle, but could hardly believe what he saw.

The team won, and the young man had been a big factor in the win. As the crowd left the stadium and the team started to settle down and leave the dressing room, the coach called the boy aside to talk to him.
"Son," he began, "that was the most spectacular display of defensive football I have ever seen. I guess we both know that during your four years here at this university you have never performed like that in any game. I just have to ask you what made the difference today."

"Coach, do you remember the time I brought my father to visit the campus and meet some of my friends?"

"Yes, I do."

"Well, then you'll remember, too, that my father was blind, Coach ... today was the first time my father ever watched me play."

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