HAROLD KELLER

Attitude makes an immature boy become a mature man I’ve always been a big sports fan, especially of amateur sports. (Little League, high school and college). My wife seems to enjoy sports, now, as much as I do. This past week, with St. Charles High School participating in the Southeast American Legion Tournament, we decided to take in a few games. Other teams who qualified for the double-elimination tournament were based from Covington, Slidell, Holy Cross, Rummel, Jesuit, Shaw and Hannan high schools. Monday, as we were watching the first game between Holy Cross and Slidell, the Rummel team drifted in to wait for their game that was to follow. Most of the players were typical teen-agers – talking, laughing and just waiting their turn. One young man, sitting to the left of my wife, was quiet, not participating in any conversation, just looking at the game. He caught my attention. Why? I don’t really know, but he impressed me as a clean-cut, level-headed young man. After a while, he moved and sat next to me. I found out his name was Jayson Bernius. “What position do you play?” I asked. “I’m the bullpen catcher,” he answered. (Now, I know what a bullpen catch is in the major leagues, and of course, he is well-paid for his services. His only job is to warm up the relief pitcher. I had never heard of a bullpen catcher in high school or American Legion baseball.) “Are you on the roster?” I asked. “Do you have a chance to play?” “No,” he answered, with confidence and satisfaction that his role on the team was important. His spirit and attitude impressed me. He told me he would be a senior at Rummel next year. “What’s your plans after high school,” I asked. “I want to maybe go to Tulane and major in sports medicine. I also want to try out as a walk-on for the Tulane football team.” Curiously, because of his size, I asked, “What position?” “I do the punting for the team,” he replied. We continued to talk, and I told him that whatever he chooses to do in life, he will be successful. “With your disposition, attitude and team spirit, God is preparing you to be a winner,” I said. He graciously thanked me and then left to get ready for his role in his team’s next game. As he left, I was excited about meeting Jayson. Over 90 players participated in the games at the tournament. In my opinion, none of them will ever be more of a winner in life than Jayson. His acceptance of his being a role-player on the Rummel team will prepare him to be successful as he takes his position in the game of life. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.