hype
[ hahyp ]
verb
to stimulate, excite, or agitate
to create interest in by flamboyant or dramatic methods; promote or publicize showily:
to intensify (advertising, promotion, or publicity) by ingenious or questionable claims, methods, etc.
According to MaxPreps, there are 1,207 high school football teams in Texas. They fall into classifications:
6A - high school enrollment of 2,190 and above
5A - 1,150 and above
4A - 505 and above
3A - 225 and above
2A - 105 and above
1A - everybody else
Quite a few of those 1A folks actually field 11-man football teams. The rest play a strange variety of football called six-man. If you throw in all the faith-based and other specialty schools that fit that size category, there are actually almost 300 schools in the state that play that version.
Friday night, our little homeschool association played a public school 1A six-man team that was about a three-hour drive from here. They were so remote that with no dinner options for our folks after the game, the school cafeteria cooks for all their fans, players, and all of ours.
There is visual testimony to their success everywhere (signs, flags, big bold numbers right next to our stands) and they didn’t pull any punches in reminding you audibly as well. The PA announcer told the crowd that they were undefeated, 6-0, against us in the short rivalry. And that one of the websites that predicts six-man games actually showed us to be the favorite in this match.
And then they played a pre-game recording (imagine the most obnoxious MMA hype-guy announcer you can):
"In the history of Texas high school football there have been only 4 teams that have won 8 state championships, but in the world of six-man football one team stands alone! 2004! 2006! 2007! 2010! 2012! 2015! 2016! The 2019 edition stands ready to write their legacy and enter their names in the record books.”
Then came the smoke-filled tunnel, the team, the flags, the cheerleaders, etc. charging the field.
A few other things to note. Their agricultural program located their goat pens an uncomfortable distance for us to enjoy the smell and sounds of them. They had a supercharged train whistle they launched after each score that is still clanging around in my subconscious. The visiting team locker rooms were painted a nice pink from floor to ceiling.
Despite our six turnovers to their zero, we had somehow figured out a way to stay within one touchdown. But by the fourth quarter, in the humidity of a warm Friday night and a very long game, the effects started to show. Guys were limping, muscle cramps abounded, and penalty mistakes started to pile. But just when it looks like the tables were about to turn on this storied program, they dug in and ultimately won by a few touchdowns.
Do you think all those flags, banners, train whistles, hyped announcements, etc. had anything to do with their ability to find success despite the challenging situation they were facing?
You betcha.
Do you think the people you lead need to be reminded about what is great about them, all they’ve accomplished, and that you believe in them? Do you think it is important in order for them to overcome the challenging situations you are facing?
You betcha.
And if you are annoyed by hype and pretense as much as I am, you better get over it. You are the only hype person your team likely has. And this is the time of year you need to stretch yourself and take stock of every little thing that has been accomplished and gone right. Because we just started the fourth quarter and there is another season just ahead of us.
Consider
Do you hate making a big deal of stuff?
Does it seem pretentious and excessive when you do?
Do you know how important it is to the people you lead?
If you felt like your success rested on it, could you find the energy to celebrate and encourage them better?