As Summer fades and the hints of Fall tease
The prep is done and past, clipboards noted
The smoke of displays and entry sounds fade
Hands and stares exchanged, last encouragement
The lines form and pause across the green
Faced off in adrenaline pumped anticipation
Band brass flash and crowd's din rise
As in the swirl one lone arm is held aloft and seen
The countdown starts at whistle's shrill marker
The clock winds as hopes soar to greatness
A champion we all can be in that five second dream
Before the thump and the roar makes .