‘Not missing out’ costly, time-consuming (but worth it)
March 24th, 2008 by WesLAS VEGAS — No, this is not a site for the next round of the NCAA Tournament. Or as my friend in Los Angeles said last night when I told him I was here, “Oh, that’s right … ‘cuz of course Las Vegas is on the way to Charlotte from Denver …”
But honestly, it IS cheaper and easier to get a round-trip plane ticket to Charlotte, N.C., from Las Vegas than Denver. Put it this way, I looked into a one-way fare from Denver to Charlotte: $585. I even considered taking a train, but the Amtrak price was $485, and it would take over 48 hours of travel time.
So, shucks, Vegas is where I’m at.
But seriously, I’m getting a better idea of how those ‘Ewa Beach Little League parents felt back in 2005, when their kids kept winning and advancing to the next round. Remember? One dad even ended up quitting his $60,000-a-year job because he had maxed out his vacation allotment and his company wouldn’t give him any more time off.
Parents spent up to $14,000 following and supporting their kids through the tournament.
At the boys basketball state tournament last month, Ken Low was already doing the math as far as attending his son, Derrick’s, Senior Night game in Pullman, Wash., and the NCAA Tournament, where possible first-round sites included Washington, D.C and Tampa, Fla.
“This could cost me six grand,” said Ken, a mechanic for TheBus. “But then again … how do I NOT go?”
I totally agree.
I’ve always felt it’s hard to put a price tag on “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences. Money is something that can be hard to earn, but ultimately it usually can be recovered eventually. But if you miss out on a special event, there’s no amount of money that can bring it back; it’s gone forever.
As a parent, though, life must be full of those “once-in-a-lifetime” events, because how do you know which game will be your son or daughter’s game of their life? Or, unfortunately, which game might be their last?
My parents came to most of my high school games, but we still don’t remember why they somehow missed one JV basketball game at Kalani Gym when I went crashing to floor and dazily walked off the court with a concussion. I was back at practice a few days later, but what if it was a career-ending injury instead?
On the reverse end, what about the parent who misses out on his kid’s no-hitter, or five-touchdown performance? I remember the look on one athletic director’s face after getting a call from his wife on O’ahu, informing him of the game-winning home run his son had just hit in Little League. The AD was in Kona, doing his job as an administrator attending a state tournament event for his school.
The reality is, we all gotta work, we can’t be at every single game. Especially if these games are during normal working hours, or on a different island, or even the Mainland.
Work often gets in the way, money often gets in the way.
But from what I have seen, Hawai’i parents in general are very supportive and usually find the ways and means to attend as many of their kids’ games as they can, no matter when and where it is. I’ve been impressed at the number of parents who have traveled from O’ahu to Neighbor Island state tournaments and NI parents who show up on O’ahu, often on very short notice.
As I’ve learned on this trip, it takes a lot of quick planning and figuring out costs and logistics, not to mention the time involved in making the arrangements and actually packing and traveling.
And sometimes, the cost and logistics alone may not justify attending in person.
But when the “once-in-a-lifetime” factor gets thrown in there, like Ken Low said, “How do you NOT?”
March 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
What about missing you kid’s daily homework assignments? what about not keeping track of your kid’s progression in school?
I agree that sports are important. But it is clear that many people value athletics over academics. But couldn’t the once in a lifetime event be attending a prestigious university?
I can understand Derrick’s dad since his education is being paid. So that is a smart and fair investment. Since he valued education, he combined his academics with education, earning a scholarship. So, like I stated before, his father made a wise decision. Derrick paid his dues.
However, not all kids take academics seriously, so they will not all get a free ride.
But, maybe all these parents willing to dish out $10-$15 K for athletic events, should save that money for college. The good parents keep as many options available for their kids. That is what saving money does.
Personally I am willing to miss my kids’ sporting event to make sure they have the options readily available when they are ready to attend college.
Optimally we all want enough money to attend all school, extracurricular events, and still have money for college and graduate school.
But, most people don’t. So if I have to pick between an athletic event and 4 years at college, I pick college every single day. Do you think it should even be an issue?
The amounts you listed are a big chunk of change. But, if these principles are set at an early age and you have to choose, the kid should understand if you can’t travel due to money constraints. Especially if that money will be used to further the academics for the future.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Wes, are you on assignment to follow Derrick’s journey? That could become a long assignment but what a great opportunity…thanks to the HA.
I would agree that parents should not emphasis only sports but, I also think it is very important for a parent (at least one) to be at as many extra curricular activities that their children are involved in.
Too many of my classmates in high school had nobody there to cheer them on in their activities. It was so sad when others would be getting congratulatory hugs and snacks, etc. and they were headed to the locker room to change their clothes and find their way (by walking, bus, catching rides) home. Sad.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Buff50,
Good point. Obviously, many times tough choices have to be made and we can’t have everything go the way we want.
Stacy,
Sorta, but the bottom line is, in my opinion, this is a story that should be covered because of its historical significance in Hawai’i sports history.
Mahalo fo reading.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Enjoy Charlotte, Wes.
I hope kids understand the sacrifices people make to “not miss out.”
I sure understand those better now that I am a parent than when I was a kid, so I make sure kids recognize their parents (and grandparents) who are making the time to “not miss out.”
March 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
We are at a disadvantage in Hawaii. The high cost of travel prohibits many to watch their kids play on the mainland. I’m sure the kids will understand if mom or dad is not there. Unless you are playing collegiately, parents will foot the bill for their kids to travel which is already a big chunk of change. I know of some who have taken out loans for that once-in-a-lifetime tournament but personally, I wouldn’t go that far.
Many youth teams will travel to the mainland for the competition and exposure. For many, it is an opportunity for college coaches to watch them and hopefully be offered a scholarship. However, most will not get that offer and whether the money spent to travel was worthwhile is questionable. Many teams will travel at least once a year. If you can afford it, then why not? If you don’t have that kind of money, then you need to weigh the positives and negatives. Does your child have the potential to be offered a scholarship? For some, being on a competitive team is a privilege and a character builder and worth the expense even if they won’t be offered a scholarship.
Is it worth the $14,000 to watch your 11-12 year play in the LL World Series? I don’t know. I wouldn’t doubt it if some of those parents are still paying for it. With my income, I’ll send my kids and hope somebody took videos.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Bill,
I hear you.
I remember my grandpa showing up to a lot of my high school games, and my aunt coming to my Little League games, but back then it wasn’t as much the custom — at least not at our school — to visit with your family right after the game.
Looking back, I wish I would have at least waved to my grandpa and said “Hi Grandpa, thanks for coming to my game!”
Kids, you should do this now.
Mahalo for reading.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Good points by all. Money/work time/being able to take off obviously is an important consideration.
But another thing to keep in mind is that kids won’t be kids forever. You can’t get back those moments once they’re gone. As a parent, there’s nothing like watching your kids achieve, whether it be in the classroom or the playing field, or whatever else they do, there are times that are priceless in their young lives and I’m making sure I make the most of it
March 25th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hey Wes,
While in Charlotte why don’t you give Eric Tokunaga a call. He’ll love to talk high school baseball with you.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Wes,
OFF TOPIC
I noticed the latest baseball standings were posted.
I saw the SLS- Maryknoll game this past weekend. It was a 10-run rule shortened contest.
Is there ANY provision to prevent a winless team from appearing in the State tournament?
March 25th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Wes, that is all good. Glad that you are able to experience this on HA’s dime. I would LOVE to have that once in a lifetime opportunity. You deserve it! Enjoy the journey while it lasts.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
WES!
Charlotte bound babee!
Hope to see you there…
March 25th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
BBallFan,
I called Eric and left a message; he might still be at spring training, though.
d1shima,
There’s no provision that I know of. But you bring up an interesting scenario.
Stacyj
I said “sorta,” meaning that’s not exactly the way it works. But again, the bottom line is, in my opinion, this is a story that should be covered because of its historical significance in Hawai’i sports history.
ITO,
Glad to hear you guys are coming! I’ll definitely find you at some point (haven’t seen too many Asians around here).
Mahalo for reading.
March 26th, 2008 at 8:04 am
d1shima / Wes
Maryknoll is a D2 team playing in a D1 League. Whaty would theri recoed be if they played only the D2 OIA Teams?
But regardless, as it is now the State Tournament spots are given out based on “participation” not who’s the best. Wes the NCAA Tournament you are watching now has League Champs auto berths, the rest is ” at large” in an attempt to bring in the best of the rest. Sure look at WAC Boise State or IVY Cornell, one could argue some stronger other League non champ snuffs were better, but as League Champ they get in. But at least therte is some recognition for strength of League. now let’s look at HHSAA. It’s a participation Tournament. You take total # of Teams in your league, divide by total # of High School Teams playing the sport and multiply by the 12 State berths and that is your allotment. So what happens. Last year ILH gets one spot and # 2 Team in state gets left out ( Iolani). Now this year You get a D2 Tournament ( great news btw ) but leave D1 with 12 Teams. All other League shrink their # of D1 Teams in League, but ILH stays a 7 ( D1 ), hence their ratio goes up, and now they get 3 Teams, using the mathematical ” participation rule” As well Maryknoll rejoins the League, but is D2. Well by rules one Team per League gets a berth. Hence by rule Maryknoll is in.
but to say they should not get in if they go winless when they don’t even play a D2 Team during the regular season is wrong as well.
March 26th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
You didn’t know that the HHSAA state tournaments are there to determine who are the best teams. The tournament is to figure out who is the best team of all the teams that are represented, even though arguably many of the better teams didn’t qualify due to participation.
They are backwards here. Imagine how the NCAA Tournament would look if they used the same criteria. Weak leagues such as the WAC, Mountain West, Ivy League, etc. would send the same amount of teams as the Pac-10, Big 12, ACC, Southeastern, etc.