The Most Dedicated Ever, Part 2

On May 13th, 2008 I wrote an article about Josh Hines, my middle child and youngest son. It was about his life as an athlete and a person through his elementary, middle and high school years. I also wrote about his freshman year at Mississippi State and the trials he faced during that year. Today I’m writing the rest of the story.

Josh returned to MSU his sophomore year as a student, not a student athlete. His attitude was upbeat and positive as it always it. He and I spoke on a weekly basis. Our conversations were less about football and more about school and working out. He did mention football from time to time. Josh invited me to come watch a game one weekend and I accepted the invitation as any dad would. Upon my arrival, we ate, one of Josh’s favorite pass times, discussed school, his activities, church and of course, working out. As we prepared for the afternoon game, I noticed Josh’s demeanor change. He was quite and kind of stayed to himself. This is very out of character for him. I asked him what was wrong and got the standard answer. Nothing dad, It’s all good. We left the game a half time and went to eat again. I ask Josh if he missed football and he answered, “of course I do, but I’m glad I’m not playing”. The conversation ended with that statement.

Fast forward several months. I received a call from Josh one afternoon. What he said next was a shock! “Dad, I want to come home and go to Shorter and play football” He told me he had been running from football and the situation that had happened to him. He had never been told that he couldn’t be a part of something that he so badly wanted to be a part of. He told me his confidence had been shaken and was unsure of his ability and had run from the situation instead of hitting it head on. He told me football isn’t life for him, but he is a football player and needs to be playing somewhere. I ask him if he had prayed about it and he assured me this is what God wanted him to do. He said, “Dad, can you make this happen for me”? I assured him I could.

I was happy, over whelmed and about to explode with excitement. I got on the phone with the head coach of Shorted College, Phil Jones and set up a meeting. Shorter had recruited Josh out of high school so they knew who he was. Long story short, Josh transferred to Shorter Jan. of 2009, went through winter conditioning and spring practice with the team. He is looking forward to the fall, getting his education at Shorter Collage and playing in front of his home town. God has big plans for Josh.

Currently Josh is going to school, working, working out with the team, and of course, training with his dad. Josh is still my hero!