Part 4/6:
In trying circumstances, the resolve of a team is tested, and Freeman emphasized the need to balance grief with preparation. The emotions of the morning weighed heavily, but there was still a game to prepare for. The team had to redirect their focus, starting with a team meeting to process the tragedy and moving towards crafting a comprehensive plan for their adjusted schedule ahead of the now-rescheduled game.
Freeman explained, “We had to utilize this time that we have today and tomorrow morning to continue to prepare... I don’t want to wait; we’re not just going to wait until we get to play this game tomorrow.” For him, it was imperative to manage the emotions while also ensuring that the team was physically and mentally ready when the time came to take the field.