A lifelong love: James McDowell's passion for athletics

un! Run! Run!"

He stood there, bat in hand. He was frozen like a statue. James McDowell was 6 years old when he became fond of athletics. He found a sense of family and belonging unfound

As he swung a baseball bat for the first time, his mind was blank. Lacking the experience that others on his team had, he was puzzled as to what his next move was supposed to be. The bleachers exploded with screams, and the young boy was instantly overwhelmed with confusion and fear. As he ran down the first base line, his eyes focused on the square-shaped rubber mound at the end. Anxious and tense, white chalk filled his shoes, and thoughts filled his head. Soon after, his coach took the time to patiently explain and accept his mistakes, acting as the first father figure in his life.

McDowell felt relief.

This moment marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to athletics and collegiality. Sports filled a void of family relationships and a lack of support in his life.

The radiance of this experience has stuck with McDowell, and he now strives to mirror the kindness and comfort his baseball coach had shown him in this life-changing situation.

"I remember it like it was yesterday. It was one of the first times you could make a mistake and be accepted. And, I hope, as a coach, I was the same way," McDowell said.

As a sideline spectator and coach of many of Carlmont's sports, McDowell emanates positive energy on the young men and women dedicated to athletics.

After all, sometimes all it takes is one person to spark a lifetime of passion for the world of sports. And that person could be McDowell for Carlmont's athletes.

L