November 18, 2010

Humor

Written by: Dave Voisine, CITC Reading Teacher, Willow Crest Elementary School

“Jack the Shaq O’Neill”

As an elementary basketball coach, I had a very good team one year, with the exception of a good center. The boys in 5^th grade suggested that Jack try out for the team. Please understand that Jack was a fifth grader, but measured in at 5’ 7” and 250 pounds! Immediately, Jack piped in that he couldn’t do it because he didn’t know how to play basketball. I answered that this was not a problem. “All you have to do is stand in the middle of the key, keep your arms up, and don’t let anyone through!” Still skeptical, Jack finally agreed.

Elementary basketball in the village draws a huge crowd. Parents and grandparents love to see the youngsters play basketball. The first game we were to play was against one of our arch rivals.

In order to get Jack into a uniform, my wife had to enlarge a size L elementary uniform with material scraps. Jack’s appearance on the basketball court caused quite a sensation – especially with the opposing team and their fans in attendance.

The opposing team got the ball first. Their players were usually quick and agile. One of their guards was rapidly dribbling down the court, so I hollered to Jack, “Just stand there and put your arms up!” The little guy dribbling had no idea where Jack was because his concentration was focused on dribbling the ball. Next thing we knew, we saw this young player look up ready to shoot, and confront the human wall that was Jack. Unable to stop his momentum, he collided with Jack and bounced back to the top of the key. Totally startled, he laid there and looked up Jack.

At first, a hush came over the crowd. Jack, being the “gentle giant” that he was, he went over and helped the youngster to his feet. Still wobbly from the collision, the youngster’s face sported a look of total confusion. The crowd erupted in applause and great laughter.

From that moment on, the opposing team stayed clear of Jack and the key.

This is how the people of the Yukon Delta displayed humor to me.