The Thirteenth
Man
Five
feet ten inches, 150 pounds, and with brand new pair of white basketball shoes,
Jeffrey Pedigo stepped onto the basketball court. It was the first day of
tryouts for the sophomore basketball team. He looked around, on his left and
right there were boys lined up who were much taller and had been playing
competitive basketball their entire lives; but Jeff didn’t let this get to him.
He gave it all he had, and the health teacher, Coach Smithson saw it, and let
him on the team as the thirteenth man. Looking back, Jeff said he would have
probably quit the game of basketball if he hadn’t made the team. To be honest,
Mr. Smithson did it out of pure pity. He saw a boy who was there because he
loved the game. The health teacher/basketball coach didn’t expect him to stay
that whole season, maybe he would drop out after the multiple benched games,
but Jeff persisted.
His
first game, Jeff suited up. The Everett High School team was suited up in the
new team jerseys, everyone that is, except Jeff. He got the old XL outfit that
was from the 1950’s, completely made of silk and overly humiliating. There was
nothing else that screamed, “The thirteenth man” like this jersey did. But Jeff
didn’t let that get to him; he suited up every game with pride. That jersey
meant that he had made the team and that he was important. It was a symbol of
acceptance and he would hold onto that forever. Pretty soon the season was
over, but that didn’t stop him from practicing. Growing up he played street
ball with some friends and his two older brothers, rain, shine, sleet or hail,
those boys were out playing ball. This was his way of practicing during the
off-season, and it payed off.
Junior
year Jeff stepped onto the court once again, but something was different.
Instead of being only five foot ten inches he had grown to six foot five. His
basketball skills had improved because of the time put in during those
off-season months. The boys who had made fun of him sophomore year were now
intimidated, where had this guy come from?!? He beat out some of those boys and
ensured himself a spot on the Junior Varsity team. Their season was undefeated,
and together they won league. Senior year went the same way, but this time,
Jeff brought his dunking skills to tryouts. Impressed with his abilities he
easily earned his spot on the Varsity team, which was ranked number one in the
state, but was defeated at districts by their rivalry school. Throughout his
high school basketball career it was all him. He bought his own basketball
shoes and basketball; his mom never told him to go to practice, or to go
outside and shoot hoops. But that is what showed his true love for the game, he didn't have to have anyone telling him to do it, he just did.
After
high school Jeff served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints in Germany for two years, while he was out there he grew to an
astounding six feet eight inches tall and 195 pounds, perfect basketball body.
Upon returning home, he went back to college and decided to walk on to Everett
Community College’s basketball team, and immediately he knew this was the place
to be--On the court. By this time Jeff had worked his vertical up to a 34”, was
in tip top shape, and could shoot a three on the fly. The community college
played around Washington and Oregon, which eventually led to interest in him.
He was offered scholarships by Colorado State and Eastern Washington, but chose
to pursue his career path in real-estate. During his second season playing
basketball he injured his shoulder which would put him out of competitive
basketball, and his career as a college basketball player was over.
He
continues to play recreational basketball to this day, whether it is with
church buddies or just random games he picks up at the gym. When he plays you can
see his love for the game. Basketball fuels him, drives him, and motivates him.
He might not be able to play as aggressively as he did before, but he doesn’t mind,
he has turned to coaching. He doesn’t get payed for it, he volunteers his time.
He coaches boys from the age of eleven to eighteen, and they all love him. He
is an influence in their lives, and has given those “thirteenth man” boys that
chance.
And that's my dad :)....the goofy man who has taught me so much about life.
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