Harvey Brunson planned for every one of his children to win a state championship in something. Olivia won the state championship in track, and Michael won the state championship in rowing. Both went on to college success. His third child, Liam, was proving difficult.
Harvey spent weeks looking at the data before finally settled on a plan.
“I think we need to move to Tennessee,” Harvey announced to his wife Kiley and son Liam.
“What are you talking about?” Kiley said. Before having children, she had agreed to this state championship plan but now regretted the whole enterprise.
“I’ve been scouring the country looking for a path for Liam based on his age and skill. However, he’s shown little aptitude for traditional sports.”
“That’s not fair,” Kiley said. Liam was by far her sweetest and most charismatic child. She did not like this matter-of-fact analysis.
“Mom,” Liam said. “I drown in the pool. I trip when I run. I flinch when any ball is thrown at me. I almost dislocate my shoulder every time I bowl.”
“Precisely,” his father agreed. “Listen, he’s not well suited for most physical activity, and some of the less athletic events are also not his thing.”
“What are you saying?” Kiley asked. Were they bad parents for breaking Liam down like this? Of course, Liam just piled on himself.
“I get stage fright. I have test anxiety. I’m tone deaf to music, and I don’t have the reflexes for video games,” Liam said. “I’m not creative, I’m not artistic and I can’t build anything.”
“I know, but you’re a good kid,” Kiley said.
“But not state championship level, Mom,” Liam said. “What’s the plan, Dad?”
“In Tennessee, your age group is weak at archery,” Harvey said. “Archery is not as hard to learn as some other sports. You could win a state championship if you practice eight hours a day with a renowned archery teacher all summer.”
“Do you have any interest in archery?” Kiley asked her son.
“No,” Liam said. Kiley’s heart sank. “But like you and Dad always said, this is a state championship family.”