My favorite sport has always been basketball. I remember as a kid going to the high school gym to watch the "City" team comprised high school graduates that still wanted to play competitive basketball. There was a tall player named Hank Schuette. He was 6'10" tall and nobody else in the league could match his height. He dominated rebounds and shots around the basket. The "City" team won numerous championships. Hank was thin and lanky and looked awkward but his height "worked".
Then in 1985, our family moved to Appleton. When Grasshopper No.4 entered 8th grade, he had experienced a growth spirt. He was taller than any of his classmates that played St.Thomas More basketball. That meant he was the designated center on the team. No.4 could out jump and out muscle the other little twirps so he "ruled". I remember a game in Menasha where St.Thomas More scored 22 total points in the game and Grasshopper No.4 had 21 points by himself. Being tall "works". Alas, several years later No.4 was surpassed in height by many and slid in to a quiet life of basketball obscurity.
Fast forward to 2009. Grandson Grant in Madison is 13 years old and 6'1" tall. He is by far, a "head" taller than all the other kids in his Middleton school. It has something to do with having a Dad that was 6'6" tall. So Grant not only plays for his middle school team, he has been recruited to play on the YMCA team which is a much tougher group. He is coordinated, blocks lots of shots, steals the ball, and scores points from all over. Being the center of attention does lots for confidence. Again being tall "works".
As March Madness approaches with high school WIAA Tournament playoffs and the NCAA collegiate tournament, tall players will dominate. It ain't fair but it is a fact of life. Little guys like me can only dream of stealing the ball, shooting long 3-point shots and making every free throw to compensate for lack of height. Hey, I dreamt of scoring 100 points in a game. I dreamt of missing one shot on purpose just to confirm I was "human".
The lesson Grasshoppers is that some games like basketball reward players with height. If you are tall, enjoy the ride. If you are short, recognize that you have to develop other attributes. In baskeball, their is no substitute for the right genes.
Love,
Dad