Winning Combination

If you’ve never listened to the full version of this song, you’re missing a real treat as there is a great story here.  However, this song will forever remind me of my freshman year of high school, our varsity basketball team, and—surprise, surprise—a guy.
 The year before our team had finished on a winning streak so hopes were high when the season began.  Most of the starters were seniors who had played together since junior high.  The team had co-captains who were true leaders as well as “hunks”.  One of them was my friend’s brother—he had a steady girlfriend, but I still had a crush on him.
 The season began with a bang.  Our team was winning and to show our pride the booster club bought all new uniforms with warm-up jackets for the team.  They looked great in them as they ran onto the court.  School pride and spirit was high.  As the guys formed up for their warm-up routine the school’s P.A. system began playing The Lion Sleeps Tonight.  For the rest of the season that song played for every warm-up and at rallies.  It’s affect on the team (and the fans) was amazing.  To this day I believe it contributed to the over all success that took us all the way to the State Finals that year.  That success was not repeated before I graduated.  Go Grass Lake Warriors!
 As a side note, some four years later I actually had a date with that guy.