By MATT SCHUCKMAN
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
Jason Kvitle may never know the impact he had on the Quincy High School boys basketball team's upset of Peoria Central last Saturday night.
His brother, Martin, can't overlook it.
With 11.6 seconds remaining in regulation and the Blue Devils clinging to a two-point lead, Martin Kvitle stepped in as the Lions' Eriq Baird drove the left side of the lane and drew a charging foul. It was the fourth charge Kvitle had taken against Central, but this one allowed Quincy to salt away the 70-64 victory.
And had it not been for older brother's torture, Kvitle may never have stepped in there and gotten run over.
"Jason used to beat me up," said Martin, whose older brother is a 2005 QHS graduate and the second-leading 3-point shooter in school history with 125 career treys. "I'd be saying ‘Mercy,' and he wouldn't let up."
Without it, Kvitle may not have become tough enough to take one charge, let alone four.
"More than anything, you have to know there is something positive in the outcome," Kvitle said. "Especially playing an athletic team, if they can go in there willy nilly and throw stuff up and jump through there, it's going to kill you. You have to step in and not allow that.
"I hate playing teams that take charges, and I know they hate it. You can tell they get frustrated. When a ref sees that they're going in there out of control, there really is no question about it. You can get the call."
You also have to be willing to make the sacrifice.
That can be painful.
"I got laid out," junior forward Jason Salrin said of the first charge he remembers taking as a freshman. "My tailbone would not stop hurting. I was pretty beat up after that."
He also learned a valuable lesson.
"That time, I just fell," Salrin said. "I didn't try to catch myself or anything. Now I know how to go down."
There's an art to taking a charge.
"It's extra effort, taking two steps, getting there and getting your feet set," Kvitle said. "And then you just take it."
It sounds simple. It's not, at least not for everyone.
"I don't like taking charges," senior forward DeAngelo Dean said. "It hurts."
Typically, the fall backward isn't the most painful part of it. It's where and how you get hit.
"You have to watch the knees," Salrin said. "Depending on how high they get, you could take one on the chin. You have to have faith you're going to step up and get the call."
There is a secret to it, something Salrin did when he took a pivotal charge in the fourth quarter against Peoria Central.
"You step up and close your eyes," Salrin said.
The payoff is the emotional lift. Three times against Peoria Central, the Blue Devils scored on the ensuing possession following a charge.
Twice, it gave Quincy the lead.
"It takes away momentum from them and probably takes away an easy bucket from them," said Quincy coach Sean Taylor, whose team had taken just three charges in the previous seven games. "And it puts a foul probably on a guard who is not going to be as aggressive after that.
"Almost like a dunk, it's worth a little bit more than it actually is. I think it inspires the others and gives them confidence and enthusiasm."
The players sense the tide turn on such plays.
"As soon as you hear the ref blow the whistle and his arm comes out, everybody comes running and helps you up," Salrin said. "It's big."
But unlike most skills, teaching a player to take a charge can be a tough chore.
Kvitle remembers being in seventh grade and doing drills where the defender had to sprint from midcourt, beat the ball-handler to the spot and take a charge. If you didn't give up your body, you had to run. It created the mindset to do whatever it takes.
"More than anything, it's a habit," Kvitle said. "If you start the habit, it becomes a habit."
It takes some intestinal fortitude to get that habit started.
"You do teach it, but when it comes down to it, you have to have the heart to stand in there," Taylor said. "You have to have the guts and the heart and the willingness to stand in there.
"Like offensive rebounding, some kids have a nose for it. Some kids find a way to get it done. It takes a special kid to take a charge."
Or one with an older brother who toughens him up.
Taking the Charge: The Art of Leadership in High School Sports
Leadership is a critical element in the world of high school sports. It's not just about being the captain of a team; it's about setting an example, motivating teammates, and guiding them to success both on and off the field. In this article, we will explore the concept of "Taking the Charge" in high school sports, dissecting what it means to be a leader, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide valuable insights into the art of leadership in the context of young athletes.
What Does "Taking the Charge" Mean?
In the context of high school sports, "Taking the Charge" is a metaphorical expression that encapsulates the idea of stepping up, assuming responsibility, and leading by example. It signifies a player's willingness to be a leader, both vocally and through their actions, to benefit their team's success.
1. Setting an Example
Taking the charge begins with setting a positive example for teammates. This includes displaying commitment, punctuality, discipline, and a strong work ethic during practices and games.
2. Vocal Leadership
Effective leaders in high school sports are not just silent performers; they are vocal motivators. They inspire their teammates with encouraging words, strategies, and a never-give-up attitude.
3. Support and Empathy
Leaders also provide emotional support to their teammates during challenging times. They lend a listening ear, offer encouragement, and foster a sense of unity within the team.
4. Accountability
Taking the charge means taking responsibility for both successes and failures. Leaders don't shy away from accountability; they accept it and learn from their mistakes.
Qualities of a Leader in High School Sports
Effective leadership in high school sports is built on a foundation of specific qualities and attributes that set the leaders apart from their peers.
1. Leading by Example
Leaders lead by example. They are the first to arrive at practice, the last to leave, and they give their all in every drill and game.
2. Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is contagious. Leaders approach challenges with optimism and help maintain team morale, even in difficult situations.
3. Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for leaders. They must convey strategies, offer feedback, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
4. Adaptability
Leaders must be adaptable and able to adjust to changing circumstances. They embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
5. Empathy and Support
Empathy allows leaders to understand their teammates' feelings and challenges. They offer support and encouragement, fostering a sense of unity.
The Impact of Leadership in High School Sports
Strong leadership in high school sports can have a profound impact, extending beyond the playing field.
1. Improved Performance
Teams with strong leaders often perform better. Leaders motivate their teammates to push their limits and excel.
2. Personal Growth
Leadership fosters personal growth. It teaches young athletes responsibility, time management, and how to work as part of a team.
3. Building Character
Being a leader builds character. It instills values like integrity, perseverance, and humility, which are valuable in sports and life.
4. Lifelong Skills
The leadership skills developed in high school sports can serve athletes throughout their lives, whether in their careers, relationships, or other endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can anyone become a leader in high school sports?
Yes, anyone with the right qualities and mindset can become a leader in high school sports. Leadership is not limited to team captains; it can be exhibited by any player willing to take the charge.
2. How can young athletes develop leadership skills?
Young athletes can develop leadership skills by actively observing and learning from experienced leaders, seeking guidance from coaches, and actively participating in team activities and decision-making.
3. Is leadership limited to sports performance?
No, leadership goes beyond sports performance. It includes fostering a positive team environment, offering emotional support, and helping teammates become better individuals on and off the field.
4. Are leaders born, or can leadership be learned?
While some individuals may naturally possess leadership qualities, leadership can be learned and developed through practice, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth.
5. Can leadership in high school sports lead to opportunities beyond high school?
Yes, leadership experience in high school sports can open doors to college scholarships, team captain roles in collegiate sports, and even career opportunities in sports-related fields.
Taking the charge in high school sports is about more than just being a captain; it's about embodying leadership qualities that inspire and motivate teammates. The impact of strong leadership extends beyond the field, fostering personal growth, character development, and lifelong skills. As young athletes embrace the role of leaders, they not only contribute to their team's success but also set a foundation for success in all aspects of life. High school sports become a platform for young leaders to shine, grow, and leave a lasting legacy of leadership and sportsmanship.
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