La Costa Running Rebels Fans Have Reason to Celebrate, Presume

Another tournament, another title. The La Costa Running Rebels 7U All Star team, players and coaches, deserve a large library of credit to match the trophy case which they have already filled with their winnings. The Running Rebels support group, as a result of all this winning, are now having to find the balance between elation and expectation.

In case you haven't heard, and didn't just assume, the Rebels are the 2012 7U San Diego Region champions. On its own the Regional title is an incredible accomplishment, and everyone associated with this team can be proud. The Regionals, along with the Sections and pre-tournament victories are creating a cumulative success-overload that make this whole All-Star adventure difficult to process.

Don't get me wrong, we're not getting spoiled. Not entirely. But, even before last Saturday, we have come to expect a certain brilliance out of the boys. That is, even before mercy-ruling the second best team in the region, and securing their third title in as many tournaments.

Coach Pacino stood in the midst of the post-Regional finals parental mingling and pickle exhibition with a look on his face betraying that, for him, it was all unreal. "This is unreal," he said, confirming the look completely.

Does a person get used to winning? The players and coaches are clearly giving their all in every contest, but are they too good for their own good? That's nonsense, but for the purpose of not overloading everyone with another "Anthony drove in the winning run" article, I've had to contrive a theme, and this is it.

Who isn't loving this experience? Who isn't desperately proud of these kids and coaches? Who knows how to juggle combative feelings of nervousness and overconfidence? I'm having a little trouble with this last bit.