Savage Words: 500 wins Gather ye Rosebuds While ye May

A pretty cool thing happened Friday night after the Brandon Valley vs. Rapid City Central football game.

The team traditionally huddles at about the 20-yard line after shaking hands with their opponent when the clock strikes zero, win or lose. But on Friday, the gathering took place right at the 50-yard line, and right on the sidelines in front of the big homecoming crowd.

There was, of course, the celebration of BV’s 49-0 win over the Cobblers. But more importantly, it was an observance of a milestone. The win was the 500th in the history of Brandon and Valley Springs high school football dating back to 1952.

But 500 wins. Who knew?

Actually, none of us would if not for the historical interest of Brandon Valley assistant football coach Jeremy Risty and head coach Matt Christensen. History buffs, they are indeed. Interest in Brandon Valley football…for sure.

In 2021, the two started digging into that history. Countless hours were spent scouring through old yearbooks, old newspaper clippings, and conversations were had with former players and coaches.

The culmination of that work created the memorable moment at the 50-yard line Friday night. If not for their research, a typical 20-yard line huddle would have occurred. The coaching staff would have addressed the team for five minutes or so, followed by a slow dispersal of players headed to the locker room or to fans waiting outside the stadium. 

But on Friday, a photo was taken at midfield with the team to celebrate the 500th victory. Christensen joined his team captains and they stood for a few minutes, smiling for the cameras. That moment will be frozen in history.

I couldn’t help but think about my favorite movie, Dead Poets Society, when the cameras were capturing the scene. No doubt it was a throw-away moment for most, just a couple minutes out of their evening to stand and smile for the photographers.

But in 100 years, when Brandon Valley is celebrating another milestone victory, I’m convinced that photo from Friday night will resurface. 

We’ll all be gone by then, but players and coaches from Brandon Valley in 2124 will stare into the photo taken Friday night, locking in with the eyes of those staring back at them. It’s a scene straight out of Dead Poets Society. 

As they’re staring at Friday’s photo, the players in 100 years likely won’t know who Coach Matt Christensen was. They won’t know that the six captains to his right were just like them once, same haircuts, full of hormones, feeling invincible, eyes full of hope, believing the world is their oyster and that they’re destined for great things. 

Google ‘Carpe Diem scene from Dead Poets Society,’ and you’ll get goosebumps. In the scene, English teacher John Keating played by Robin Williams, encourages his students to soak everything in. ‘Gather ye Rosebuds While ye May.’ It’s a sentence that Keating hammers home in the scene. The line is from a 17th-century poem by Robert Herrick. Essentially, it means ‘Seize the Day,’ or ‘Act and Enjoy Yourself Now.’

Again, goosebumps.

It likely began as an inquisitive project for Risty and Christensen when they started piling through old books, but they created something Friday night that will stand the test of time.

They did, without question, ‘gather ye rosebuds’ while they could.

“I have a lot of pride and respect for the program and I’m happy to serve it,” Christensen said. “I just love serving and accomplishments come with that.”

Hopefully Brandon Valley’s coaches in 2124 carry the same respect.

And if you’re reading this in 2124: Go Lynx, and for sure, Gather ye Rosebuds While ye May.