Mothers of student athletes usually don’t have a choice when it comes to a rooting interest.
They are basically fans of their child’s team, but occasionally circumstances arise that can allow for a little leeway.  
During a modified softball game between Herkimer and Ilion on Monday, sisters-in-law JoAnn Schiavi and Ellen Jones had an opportunity to cheer for players in both dugouts.
At the David P. Whalen Community Park in Ilion, eighth-grade cousins Alyssa Schiavi, 14, of Herkimer, and Janna Jones, 14, of Ilion competed on the field.
From the Herkimer side of the field, JoAnn and Ellen shared parenting experiences in between encouraging comments for each others daughters.       
“I love watching the girls. It’s nice to see them grow.” said Ellen. “It really means a lot to them.” 
“It’s for the kids. It doesn’t really matter if they win or lose, they’re learning.” said JoAnn.
Playing in the same leagues for so long has the girls imitating their moms and acting like mutual supporters.
“They don’t cheer against one another.” said Ellen.
The camaraderie goes beyond just the few that are related. “It’s been the same parents since the third grade...It creates a real community” said JoAnn.
Echoing this belief in the importance of the sports family on and off the field, Ellen commented on the academic agreements the girls make in order to play, “It’s an incentive to keep their grades up.”
With two grown kids and another 14-year-old athlete, JoAnn explained what it takes to be part of this lifelong club.
Averaging 15 games per season and practice every night of the week, things aren’t always easy.
Describing the sunny conditions for Mondays game compared to the past weekend’s game she said, “Today it’s great to be out here...Friday was rough. I handled the drizzle with an umbrella, but the wind was cold.”
Ellen agreed with the reality of being a committed parent, having two grown children of her own, saying “If you’re not there they want to know why.”
However, Ellen said she sometimes has her 19 year old, Jamie, help with rides from practices. “It is nice to have another driver.”
In addition to the driving, the timing of the games and practices presents the greatest sacrifice of all, waiting for supper.
The Ilion coach sits the team down after the game, but the girls usually have had nothing to eat since lunch.
After an especially long affair Ellen joked with another mom about the coaches ritual, “Can you cut this kind of short. Stomachs are growling.”  
“I just got out of work.” said JoAnn. “We’re all starving when we get out of here.”
When they’re icing bruises and tending to cuts at the end of the day, the two moms said they realize the great connection formed through the experience.
While JoAnn and Ellen looked on, the daughters expressed their gratitude after the game.
“It means she loves me.” said Alyssa. “She’ll say you did good, and then makes me dinner.”
“It means a lot.” said Janna, reiterating her moms comments almost exactly.