Destroyers Home for the First Time in Columbus
K.E. Schlosser
Friday February 13, 2004
While players and coaches alike had some opening night jitters last week, they made the plays when they needed to with the game on the line. Nerves only last so long before instinct, aggression, and attitude replaced the uneasy energy and anxiety that had festered during training camp and throughout the off-season. Once the hitting began, minds and bodies focused on the task at hand, with one play leading into another as their confidence grew and they started coming together as a team.
Despite getting off to a good start last weekend in Indianapolis, you can expect some level of anxiety from everyone on the field as well as everyone in the press boxes, in the loges, and those working behind the scenes. Playing your first game at home is a big deal and this anxiety is to be expected and has been acknowledged. Head coach Earl Bruce has publicly stated that one of their highest goals this season is to “win all of their home games.” That statement or goal in and of itself creates anxiety as it sets the bar high from the very start.
How will the Destroyers respond to the anxiety associated with their first game in their new home? The same way they did last week. Play every play like it is their last, leaving everything that they have on the field so that there is no doubt left in their mind. The Destroyers did not play the perfect game last week and everyone in the organization has had new things to look at, work on and redirect their energies towards this week as they have focused on both the Carolina Cobras and improving themselves.
The Cobras are coming to Columbus on a high after a season opening 67-41 win last weekend against the Desperados in Dallas. That victory is pretty significant for the Cobras, as it marked their first win in 17 games. In reality, the Cobras and the Destroyers have a lot in common as they are both young teams that are finding their way, gaining confidence and developing both as players and as a team while they do so. After their win, you can be sure their confidence will be high as that of the Destroyers.
This is a very important game for the Destroyers. In addition to it being opening night at home, the Cobras will be the first Eastern Division rival that the Destroyers play this year so there will be a little extra anxiety and pressure. It is up to the Destroyers to respond and continue to grow as players and as a team. While success is often measured in terms of wins and losses, much will be gained and learned from whatever happens on Friday night, win or lose. Irregardless of the results on the scoreboard, the Destroyers will go back to work again Monday, refocused and ready to go.
