When the bright lights hit the field every player erupts with enthusiasm. Eager to bash heads and make jaw-dropping receptions, the starters can only anticipate the referee’s whistle to start the game. But, not Matt Robertson. A good athlete who last year, rarely saw action. At a school like Birmingham High, occasionally you have to wait your turn. Wait for your time. So Robertson did. Busting his butt every practice, anticipating the day when he would erupt. Hoping for some action on the field. Yet, that hope wouldn’t become a reality for another season.
However, Tasha Floyd, Robertson’s mother, was at every game. In the stands. Cheering for the team and for her son.
Too many times we see the ugly side of sports. The irrational parents drop-kicking coaches at their 5-year-old’s soccer match or the teacher passing all the football players just to play in the state title game. Yet, for every rainy day, there’s sunshine in the future.
Birmingham High is one example. Nothing out of the ordinary, just parents who are willing to do whatever it takes to make their children lives a little better. Parents like Tasha Floyd.
“I just think your kids need to see that support, whether they play or not,” Floyd said.
A single mother of three and full-time customer representative, Floyd still has time to run a tight ship.
“I check everyone of his report cards,” Floyd said. And because of that watchful eye Robertson is making all A’s and one C.
This season Robertson is erupting. Recently, he’s been getting some interest as a sprinter in track. He’s grown into a solid wide receiver and is Birmingham’s top kick returner.
Despite any and everything, Robertson plans to attend college.
Claudia Garrett works at Valley College in North Hollywood. She is done with work by the early afternoon, but doesn’t make it home till after 7 p.m. everyday because her son, Corey Falls, isn’t done with football practice until six o’ clock.
Every morning, Garrett is preparing for her day when others are rolling over and slobbering in their sleep. She has a long day ahead of her. Up by 4 a.m., on the road by 5, Garrett takes her son to school. However, this is no “around the block” drive. Corey is a starting wide receiver at Birmingham in Lake Balboa, which is over 70 miles away from their home in Lancaster.
“It’s a huge sacrifice,” Garrett said. “But its what’s best for my kids.”
15 hours later after, Garrett makes it home to conger up dinner, unwind for a second before its time for a new day. Same scenario.
“We moved to Lancaster, but I didn’t like the schools and the resources there,” Garrett said. “Corey always wanted to go to Birmingham and he loves it there so….”
Her voice fades out. There is no need to finish that sentence. Any good parent understands. No matter what the circumstances are, you give your all. Hoping that your sacrifice would make your kids life a little bit easier.
(Photo courtesy of LA Daily News)
There’s no crying in baseball. True. Unfortunately, for former NFL players crying for help is about the only thing they can do to get the much-needed aid they deserve.
Taylor was 24.
