Its been an interesting past few weeks. Garrett made the soccer team in the middle of September, and the season is already over. And most people didn't know (including the coach) that Garrett was struggling with a torn abdomen that he got right before tryouts. The doctor told him at the beginning of the season to stay off of it for 6 weeks. Well, the season didn't even last 6 weeks. But Garrett pushed through it. He'd heat his groin before practice and ice it after. He had the occasional rub down from the trainer, which I'm sure was a little awkward. Anyway, the last month he's been going about 80% with his injury.

The team was separated into 2 teams. The starting 20 who dressed for each game. And the bottom 12 which was comprised of mostly freshmen, RMs and walk-ons (Garrett). Each practice they'd have 4 scrimmages among the 2 teams. Each player was to report to the coach at the end of practice how many games they won. The players with the most wins on the bottom 12 will have the chance to move up. And the players who aren't performing on the top 20, will be moved down. Garrett was consistently at the top of the 12. With 2 games left, Garrett was able to move up and dress for the last games. He always said, "just put me on the team, and I'll work my way up." Which he did. I'm sure when the season starts next Spring, he'll do even better... and tear it up playing at 100% health.

Regretfully, this last week Garrett got strep, or the flu, or phnemonia, or something... It probably started with a cold and becuase of course Garrett doesn't let his body heal, it got worse. A few days this week Garrett was up most of the night with a hacking cough. :( But he had worked so hard to move up and play for this weekend's game!

Yesterday, Garrett shows up to the game as sick as a dog for his game against BYU-I. When he walked in Garrett got the #7 jersey. NOT A COINCIDENCE!!! The coach also mentioned before the game that whoever scores the first goal, would get amazing tickets to that night's Reale Salt Lake game. Garrett boasted "Hey Coach... just so you know I'm going to get those tickets!" Typical Garrett. Garrett was pretty upset when he didn't start (I'm sure it was because he was sick all week) so when he finally got in at the start of the second half, he brought his A-Game. The score was 0-0.

He was playing pretty aggressive and knocking guys over. He really brought the intensity. But, about 10 mins of playing time Garrett got a nice easy pass to him right in front of the goal and he tapped it right in. GOALLLLLLLL! The smile on his face was priceless. I was going crazy on the sidelines. He ran over to the sidelines and motioned for the RSL tickets to the coach! He was so happy but I knew he was dying on the inside and couldn't breath.

Good ending to the season. The final score was 2-1. The other guy who scored was the only other walk-on.

Good thing the season is over. Garrett needs to focus on school. Which will be hard as he goes to L.A. and New York City in the next month for Design Conferences. Garrett kindly shared his illness with me. I'm here dying on a Sunday missing church. :( Oh well... we'll both be healthy soon.