A week or so ago I went back to Illinois for my 25 year class reunion. Where I essentially grew up, Havana, Illinois, we were proudly titled the “Havana Ducks” or the “Mighty Ducks.” Although my family moved to South Texas the summer following my junior year and I consequently was unable to graduate in Havana with my class – I’ll always be a Duck! Yes “a Duck.”
The “Ducks” merited respect in our part of the country. I’m not sure just how that mascot was chosen; I remember being told that back in the early days the football team skipped practice to go duck hunting and thus became the “Havana Ducks.” Be that as it may, this small town in central Illinois, the home of the “Havana Ducks” made the papers all over the state. When my class was going through our school was developing its basketball legacy. I remember the slogan, “Second in state in 78 and just as fine in 79!” Several years later we placed 4th in state in basketball two years in a row (82, 83). What a great time and what great memories!
Through the kindness of “Tator” (Rhonda Taylor one of my former classmates) and several others I’m sure, I’m included in the invite to the reunion. I am so very thankful for that. Going back and seeing friends, some of which I literally hadn’t seen in 25 plus years was really something. If you’ve ever been back to a reunion, you know how it goes – you walk in hoping you’ll find someone you recognize. (How embarrassing it is to be unable to recognize or remember a classmate!) Then you hope that you’ll find someone you can talk to, etc. Well, as the evening of our reunion progressed it became like old times. We ate, floated the river boat in Peoria, met new friends and talked about old times – what a great night.
Besides the whole basketball thing, some of my most memorable times were in English class and cruising the DQ. Our English class was something else. I had a lot of fun, but I’m afraid I didn’t learn much. You name it (spit wads, dropping our books at a certain time, talking, passing notes, etc), we did it. I know that three, possibly four, of our English teachers decided to get out of teaching after our class went through. No joke! Looking back I’m sure we could have been more respectful, but man what fun times we had!
But where are the DUCKS now? Some are in Havana still, others in Canton, Springfield or Peoria. Still others have moved off to Chicago, California and Memphis. I hope that wherever the 1983 DUCKS end up, they are all pursuing their dreams, standing true to what they believe and going after life full-blast.
Friends, this life is the only shot we have. Right here, right now – this is it! It’s not a trial run; it’s not a dressed rehearsal. That being said, may I respectfully encourage us all, friends, BOOT CAMPERS and fellow DUCKS to go for it! Just do it. Pursue it with every ounce of your being. Don’t sit back and watch everyone else address their challenges, climb their mountains and conquer their giants while you’re not. Let’s engage! Let’s get enthused! Let’s go after it ourselves! GO DUCKS!
Filed under: Health & Fitness Tips
