Varsity Blues Essay Example
Varsity Blues Essay Example

Varsity Blues Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1294 words)
  • Published: March 4, 2019
  • Type: Essay
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Sports have a significant impact on society, with many individuals dedicating their lives to either watching or participating in a particular sport. In my household, football season holds great importance as my dad and brother religiously watch football every Sunday and Monday. On Sundays, we are joined by my dad's friends to watch the game while my mom prepares snacks and lunch for them. Once the game starts, they become completely absorbed in it, oblivious to their surroundings. Whenever I try to talk to my dad during the game, he always seems to ignore me. I admire their passion for the sport, evident through their loud cheers and shouts at the television. Like countless others, football has become a hobby for them, shaping their routines.

The movie "Varsity Blues" portrays how football goes beyond being just a pastime in

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one town; instead, it is an integral part of life that involves the entire community. The story unfolds in West Canyon - a small Texas town where being a football player is synonymous with having good health. Young males face immense pressure from family members, friends, teachers, and other residents of this town to engage in football and take it extremely seriously. However, one may question how this connection between the town and the sport developed or why there is such emphasis placed on the game itself. Additionally, what happens if you are male living in West Canyon but don't believe that everything revolves around high school football?

Jonathan Mox, a resident of this town, grew up amidst the various pressures surrounding high school football. Despite his father's serious approach to the sport and the immense pressure placed

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on him to excel in it as well, Mox does not share the belief that football is the most vital aspect of life. The movie begins by showcasing Mox's perspective on how football holds utmost significance for the town, with him stating that "football is its own society in West Canyon." From an early age, Mox embarked on his football journey alongside friends and teammates, learning to prioritize victory at any cost and follow their coach's instructions due to football being deeply ingrained in their upbringing.

The coach at West Canyon is Bud Kilmore, who has been the coach for 30 years, and has maintained an undefeated record. Kilmore has trained multiple generations of football players. He also coached Mox's father, and both fathers attend practices to observe their sons and endure Kilmore's harsh criticism. They believe that Kilmore's stern approach is beneficial for their sons' growth. Despite his lack of friendliness, Kilmore's philosophy is centered around winning and he shows little kindness to those who do not align with his views. Mox, who disagrees with Kilmore, faces significant challenges as a result.

Lance Harper, the star quarterback for West Canyon's high school team, is a highlight in the community. Prior to the big football game, the school holds a rally to boost everyone's spirits. During this event, Lance delivers a speech expressing his confidence in winning tonight's game, reflecting everyone's shared optimism.

The phrase "to win at all cost" signifies a determination to play regardless of any situation. It means that as long as one can still walk, they can participate in the game. Another notable player, Billy Bob, serves as an offensive lineman. Unfortunately, prior to

one of the games, Billy Bob collapses in class due to multiple head concussions.

Despite being advised by the school nurse not to play, Coach Kilmore insists on having him on the field. Similarly, Harper also faces challenges with knee issues that Kilmore disregards by administering pain-relieving shots before each game.

However, this decision proves unwise. In one of the games, Billy Bob collapses on the field while clearly unfit to play and Harper gets hit by two opponents resulting in a knee injury requiring hospitalization.

To finish the game despite lacking everyone's trust steps Mox who surprisingly emerges as the victor. Sadly for Harper though he suffers from torn ligaments in his knee and will be unable to play football for at least a year and possibly never again.The lives of Harper and his father are shattered by this devastating turn of events, rendering Harper's full scholarship to Florida State University worthless.

Four games remain in the season and Mox has become the high school football team's new quarterback and star. His superstar status grants him special treatment wherever he goes – the clerk at the store even gives him free beer due to his exceptional skills. The news has even interviewed him, causing a newfound fascination for him among everyone.

Mox, the quarterback, has his own ideas about the game which Kilmore disagrees with. However, Mox gets accepted to Brown University on an Academic scholarship. In order to maintain control over Mox's performance in games and ensure he follows orders, Kilmore threatens to alter Mox's transcripts if he messes up.

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure, Mox believes that the team needs to lighten up. As a solution, before one

of their final games, Mox arranges a time for the guys to relax and release their pressures. They spend the night partying at a strip club and excessively consuming alcohol. Unfortunately, this choice negatively affects their performance during the game resulting in a loss. Consequently, Kilmore becomes extremely angry and blames them for ruining his perfect title.

In their ultimate game where winning guarantees them state champions status, the team falls behind at half-time. Out of frustration and disagreement with Kilmore's coaching style, Mox confronts him and declares that he will no longer play under his guidance by refusing to finish the game. The other players support Mox's decision and also refuse to continue playing if Kilmore remains as coach. Against all odds, they manage to secure victory without Kilmore's involvement and as a consequence of this failure; he never coaches again.

The movie truly showcases the influence that sports can have on one's life. Even though football was not the central focus in my town, it held significant importance. Every Friday night, my friends and I would gather to watch the football games, fostering social interaction more than actually watching the game. Nonetheless, we always made sure to be present. I strongly believe that sports unite people and bring immense happiness.

I commend Mox for his courageous actions in standing up for himself. He acknowledged that football should not take precedence over everything else and recognized the unethical coaching methods employed by Kilmore for a high school football team. By refusing to have Kilmore as their coach and leading his team to victory without one, Mox showed firsthand how the game was negatively impacting his friends and

was determined to correct it. Making such a decision required immense bravery on his part. While I generally see sports participation as a positive pursuit, this specific situation proved otherwise.

Participating in a sport was an incredible experience for me. I devoted myself to playing soccer passionately from the age of 7 until my high school years, participating in fall, spring, winter, and summer leagues. Like Mox, there were coaches whose methods did not align with mine but I continued playing under their guidance because of my love for the game. However, when I had the fortune of being coached by someone who shared my perspective, I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to helping the team succeed.

Sports have a major impact on shaping our society and culture, as it is uncommon to find someone without a fondness for at least one sport. The wide variety of sports ensures that individuals can always discover a sport they adore and are excited to watch.

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