Rural Banter

Author: ERICA GOODMAN

Looking for solitude, a little peace and quiet? Simply travel through the town of Middlebury on a Friday evening. Other than the strings of white lights illuminating the storefront windows, the village has all of the characteristics of a deserted arctic community. At first glance, it appears that in this hamlet, Robert Putnam's words echo true - Americans have lost their social collectiveness. Instead of conversing with their neighbors, they are choosing isolation, and going "bowling alone." With the onset of icy weather and long, dark evenings, it seems as though Middlebury residents have disappeared into hibernation.

However, I realized after spending a Friday evening in the high school gymnasium that the Middlebury townspeople have not flown south for the winter. Sitting on the polyurethane bleachers for a basketball game brought back my own memories of the town pride surrounding high school athletics in a rural community.

In a small town, sports are one of the main sources of entertainment and amusement - there is little alternative. From late November until mid-February, the town converges around the nets on the wooden court. People come from all parts of the town to create a colorful crowd that paints a picture of the community. Parents unfold their stadium seat cushions and attempt to make themselves comfortable on the bleachers as they cheer for their children. Whether members of a sports team or not, students flock to the gymnasium to support their friends. Girls too young to drive sit in the front row, their glossy lips exchanging gossip juicier than their bubble gum. A group of young boys pass a basketball in the corner, imitating their favorite players. There are the elderly men who have unofficially reserved seats at half court for every home game and who laugh, remembering the time when they too had the young legs to sprint down the court.

What brings these men and women together, the family and friends and fans of Middlebury, is pride. They are there for the team, and in doing so, they are there for their community. Win or lose, the players know that the town is always behind them. The fans come to chat with friends and family, they come for the love of the sport. The store windows of Main Street are filled with signs supporting the high school players who have grown up before their eyes. The crowd watches players enter as rookies, their knobby knees shaking as they await their chance on the court; they hold back tears when players leave as confident seniors.

Maybe Americans are bowling alone. But in Middlebury, and in many rural communities, pine lanes do not isolate individuals, wooden floors bring them together.