"Yea though I walk through the Valley of Death, I take a look at my life and realize there's nothing left."
This lyric from Coolio's hit song, "Gangster's Paradise," rings clearly in my mind from time to time. As a man who has now entered into his fifth decade, it resonates with me. I can easily imagine what it would be like to see my days on earth coming to an end and not be satisfied with how I lived them.
It's my greatest fear.
Not death.
But, dying without leaving any sort of a mark.
I have no children. It wasn't my plan to never marry or have a family of my own. It just worked out that way. I don't regret it. Other than having no one to name as my next of kin, I'm happy being a bachelor. But, obviously, that is an empty spot on my life's resume.
Early on in my career as a sports writer, I thought I might be making a difference in a few lives. Through my work, I tried to inspire, encourage and/or enlighten. And, truly, I believe I impacted some lives, even if just for a short time.
But, encouraging a girl to play high school basketball is hardly a life-altering accomplishment. I've written about hundreds of youth. But, once they become adults and venture out into their own worlds, my impact on their lives fades into just a distant blip on their screen.
Fifty years old and what have I accomplished? How did I make the world a better place while I was here?
Maybe I can still leave a mark. Perhaps I can still touch someone's life in such a way, they'll be impacted long after I'm gone.
I wake up every day thankful that I'm not yet walking through the Valley of Death. I can still look at my life and know there's still some left.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Historic victory for freshman
At the 2015 Arkansas High School Swimming & Diving Championships, El Dorado's Isabella Gati won the state championship in the girls 100-yard butterfly. The freshman dominated the event in a time of 57.70. Russellville's Andrea Bond was a distant second in 1:01.37.
I wrote at the time Gati was "believed" to be El Dorado's first-ever state champion in swimming.
After some research, I feel confident she is the first and only El Dorado girl to win the title. El Dorado sports historian Randy Ross did some research and discovered the name of Bobo Sweeney, who swam for the Wildcats and won the boys state title in the 200 individual medley back in 1965.
Mr. Ross could not find records of an El Dorado girl winning. I've been here since 1991 and I'm almost positive the school hasn't won any swimming state titles in that time.
Basically, congratulations to Miss Gati for accomplishing an historic feat. I'm looking forward to seeing how much more history this young lady can make during her high school career.
I wrote at the time Gati was "believed" to be El Dorado's first-ever state champion in swimming.
After some research, I feel confident she is the first and only El Dorado girl to win the title. El Dorado sports historian Randy Ross did some research and discovered the name of Bobo Sweeney, who swam for the Wildcats and won the boys state title in the 200 individual medley back in 1965.
Mr. Ross could not find records of an El Dorado girl winning. I've been here since 1991 and I'm almost positive the school hasn't won any swimming state titles in that time.
Basically, congratulations to Miss Gati for accomplishing an historic feat. I'm looking forward to seeing how much more history this young lady can make during her high school career.
Monday, March 9, 2015
No good byes in state
El Dorado's basketball teams said goodbye to their seasons Monday. Actually, that's a misnomer. There's no such thing as a good bye.
Well, perhaps in football, a bye isn't the worst thing in the world. Most teams welcome an open date during such a grueling season.
But, in the sport of basketball, teams that are awarded a bye in the state tournament can usually wave bye, bye, bye to their seasons.
First of all, there shouldn't be any byes in a state tournament. It's supposed to the best of the best all playing on equal ground to see who reigns supreme. For that reason alone, byes should be eliminated from the 6A and 7A Basketball State Tournaments in Arkansas.
Here's the other obvious reason, it's a huge disadvantage.
In the 6A Tournament Monday night in Siloam Springs, eight teams took the floor after having a first-round bye. Four of those eight teams were upset.
That included El Dorado's boys, who battled for a good seed all season only to come out flat and fall to Russellville 85-61. The Cyclones, of course, had a state-tournament game under their belt and entered the game on a high. The Wildcats, meanwhile, had the normal jitters of taking the floor for the first time in the big tournament. Throw in the fact they hadn't played in about 10 days due to the weather cancellations and, well, when you think about it, it really wasn't that much of an upset.
Parkview's top-ranked boys also fell victim to the bye, falling to No. 6 seed Pine Bluff 49-48.
On the girls side, top-seeded Little Rock Hall lost to Jonesboro 69-60 and Mountain Home awoke from its bye to find the host Siloam Springs looking down at the Lady Bombers after a 46-26 stunner. Hell, Greenwood was supposed to be a heavy favorite and had to rally from five down in the final minute to beat Benton 55-54.
I'm not trying to sell any of the winners short. That's kind of the point. Having a bye and then playing a poor team isn't a big deal. But, playing a good team that is coming off a win while you've been sitting at home or in a hotel room is simply not a fair fight.
El Dorado girls coach Stephen Harshaw said so before the state tournament. Although the Lady Wildcats fell to Parkview 50-41 Monday, Harshaw felt good about his team's chance because they did not have a bye.
Arkansas Activities Association, are you listening? Having a bye in the state tournament is such a big advantage that nobody wants it.
What are the solutions, you say? There are only 16 schools in Class 6A. Do we let everybody in?
No, we don't.
But, why doesn't Class 6A play two conference tournaments? The four semifinalists in each conference advance to play in an 8-team state tournament. Play the conference tournaments the same week the smaller classes compete in their regional tournaments.
I'm sure there are a million reasons this won't work so I'll sit back and let you throw 'em at me. Hey, I'm just trying to find a solution because one thing is for certain - we need to say goodbye to byes in the state tournament.
Well, perhaps in football, a bye isn't the worst thing in the world. Most teams welcome an open date during such a grueling season.
But, in the sport of basketball, teams that are awarded a bye in the state tournament can usually wave bye, bye, bye to their seasons.
First of all, there shouldn't be any byes in a state tournament. It's supposed to the best of the best all playing on equal ground to see who reigns supreme. For that reason alone, byes should be eliminated from the 6A and 7A Basketball State Tournaments in Arkansas.
Here's the other obvious reason, it's a huge disadvantage.
In the 6A Tournament Monday night in Siloam Springs, eight teams took the floor after having a first-round bye. Four of those eight teams were upset.
That included El Dorado's boys, who battled for a good seed all season only to come out flat and fall to Russellville 85-61. The Cyclones, of course, had a state-tournament game under their belt and entered the game on a high. The Wildcats, meanwhile, had the normal jitters of taking the floor for the first time in the big tournament. Throw in the fact they hadn't played in about 10 days due to the weather cancellations and, well, when you think about it, it really wasn't that much of an upset.
Parkview's top-ranked boys also fell victim to the bye, falling to No. 6 seed Pine Bluff 49-48.
On the girls side, top-seeded Little Rock Hall lost to Jonesboro 69-60 and Mountain Home awoke from its bye to find the host Siloam Springs looking down at the Lady Bombers after a 46-26 stunner. Hell, Greenwood was supposed to be a heavy favorite and had to rally from five down in the final minute to beat Benton 55-54.
I'm not trying to sell any of the winners short. That's kind of the point. Having a bye and then playing a poor team isn't a big deal. But, playing a good team that is coming off a win while you've been sitting at home or in a hotel room is simply not a fair fight.
El Dorado girls coach Stephen Harshaw said so before the state tournament. Although the Lady Wildcats fell to Parkview 50-41 Monday, Harshaw felt good about his team's chance because they did not have a bye.
Arkansas Activities Association, are you listening? Having a bye in the state tournament is such a big advantage that nobody wants it.
What are the solutions, you say? There are only 16 schools in Class 6A. Do we let everybody in?
No, we don't.
But, why doesn't Class 6A play two conference tournaments? The four semifinalists in each conference advance to play in an 8-team state tournament. Play the conference tournaments the same week the smaller classes compete in their regional tournaments.
I'm sure there are a million reasons this won't work so I'll sit back and let you throw 'em at me. Hey, I'm just trying to find a solution because one thing is for certain - we need to say goodbye to byes in the state tournament.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Always play to win ... unless ...
A few days ago, Slick Rick suggested I blog about the Tennessee high school girls basketball teams who were each trying to lose a game in order to get a better draw in a tournament. The story is old enough that most have heard about it so I won't bother to re-post any of the original article. I believe both of the teams and coaches were reprimanded for their actions.
I've read a few opinions, most suggesting the coaches and players should be burned at the stake or, at the very least, be given a stern dressing down. As Herm Edwards says, "you play to win the game." If you're not playing to win, then you're doing something wrong.
My first thought, however, was what a horrible job of bracketing a tournament. When it's more advantageous to lose than it is to win, that's a faulty bracket.
If I had a high school team, my ultimate goal would be to advance to the state tournament and try to win it. If by losing a game earlier in the season, I can somehow get an easier path to the state tournament, I'm not gonna lie, I might consider it.
Hey, in this year's Arkansas 2A Boys Tournament. Junction City and Clarendon, arguably, are the two best teams. The bracket has them meeting up in the semifinals. If either one of them had lost in the regional finals, they would've been on the opposite side of the bracket.
I'm not saying they should've thrown the game. But, if they had, as Chris Rock might say, "I'd understand."
I understand why the Tennessee coaches did what they did. Perhaps their biggest crime was being so blatant. To have kids intentionally miss free throws and shoot at the wrong basket, that really is making a mockery of the game.
If you're going to play, play to win.
On the other hand, if you're going to draw up a bracket, do the damn thing right. Seed the teams properly and this sort of thing won't happen.
I've read a few opinions, most suggesting the coaches and players should be burned at the stake or, at the very least, be given a stern dressing down. As Herm Edwards says, "you play to win the game." If you're not playing to win, then you're doing something wrong.
My first thought, however, was what a horrible job of bracketing a tournament. When it's more advantageous to lose than it is to win, that's a faulty bracket.
If I had a high school team, my ultimate goal would be to advance to the state tournament and try to win it. If by losing a game earlier in the season, I can somehow get an easier path to the state tournament, I'm not gonna lie, I might consider it.
Hey, in this year's Arkansas 2A Boys Tournament. Junction City and Clarendon, arguably, are the two best teams. The bracket has them meeting up in the semifinals. If either one of them had lost in the regional finals, they would've been on the opposite side of the bracket.
I'm not saying they should've thrown the game. But, if they had, as Chris Rock might say, "I'd understand."
I understand why the Tennessee coaches did what they did. Perhaps their biggest crime was being so blatant. To have kids intentionally miss free throws and shoot at the wrong basket, that really is making a mockery of the game.
If you're going to play, play to win.
On the other hand, if you're going to draw up a bracket, do the damn thing right. Seed the teams properly and this sort of thing won't happen.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Good game with nothing on the line
There were no trophies or state tournament berths on the line tonight at Parkers Chapel. But, the girls from Junction City and PC still played with a whole lot of motivation and intensity.
The Lady Dragons won 61-49, ending the Lady Trojans' hopes of running the table in conference.
I must say, I was impressed by both teams.
Obviously, Junction City played, probably, it's best game of the season. This is the team I picked to win the league back in December. Finally healthy, they're what I predicted they could be, big, athletic and active with just enough outside shooting to really frustrate any defense.
The Lady Dragons hit six 3-pointers at PC. When they do that, they'll be a pain in the butt for anyone.
Parkers Chapel, meanwhile, showed they can take a punch. The Lady Trojans impressed me in defeat with a never-say-die attitude. They trimmed a 22-point deficit to nine in about four minutes and had two good looks at a 3-pointer after that.
Junction City made a conscious effort to defend PC's 3-pointers. The Lady Trojans took it to the paint, which is the sign of a good team. They didn't make enough shots under the basket or at the free throw line, which is something they'll have to correct.
But, the determination was there. The unity was there. The fight was there.
"You hate to lose on your home floor, especially on Senior Night with a group of seniors that we have and we're very proud of and all they've accomplished but they've got to make sure they leave this one in the lockerroom tonight and come out tomorrow and get ready for Hermitage on Friday," PC coach Mark Young said afterward.
I think both teams are in good shape after tonight's game. PC's dressing room was somber while the Lady Dragons were dancing on the ceiling in theirs.
It's that time of the year.
Both teams tested each other in a way that should make both stronger in the weeks to come.
The Lady Dragons won 61-49, ending the Lady Trojans' hopes of running the table in conference.
I must say, I was impressed by both teams.
Obviously, Junction City played, probably, it's best game of the season. This is the team I picked to win the league back in December. Finally healthy, they're what I predicted they could be, big, athletic and active with just enough outside shooting to really frustrate any defense.
The Lady Dragons hit six 3-pointers at PC. When they do that, they'll be a pain in the butt for anyone.
Parkers Chapel, meanwhile, showed they can take a punch. The Lady Trojans impressed me in defeat with a never-say-die attitude. They trimmed a 22-point deficit to nine in about four minutes and had two good looks at a 3-pointer after that.
Junction City made a conscious effort to defend PC's 3-pointers. The Lady Trojans took it to the paint, which is the sign of a good team. They didn't make enough shots under the basket or at the free throw line, which is something they'll have to correct.
But, the determination was there. The unity was there. The fight was there.
"You hate to lose on your home floor, especially on Senior Night with a group of seniors that we have and we're very proud of and all they've accomplished but they've got to make sure they leave this one in the lockerroom tonight and come out tomorrow and get ready for Hermitage on Friday," PC coach Mark Young said afterward.
I think both teams are in good shape after tonight's game. PC's dressing room was somber while the Lady Dragons were dancing on the ceiling in theirs.
It's that time of the year.
Both teams tested each other in a way that should make both stronger in the weeks to come.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Who's the favorite in the 7AA-East?
Most of the teams in the 7AA-East are either at or close to the midway point of the season. With that in mind, I suppose it's time for a follow-up on my predictions.
Earlier, I tabbed Junction City as the team to beat, based on their performance in the Fordyce Tournament. Unfortunately, the Lady Dragons suffered an injury to point guard Jyrezhia Nathan, which has changed the team's makeup severely. Junction City is now woefully shorthanded in the backcourt, which happens to be an area of strength for both Parkers Chapel and Strong.
The Lady Trojans have been a bit of a surprise for me. Honestly, I was concerned they might be a bit one-dimensional, too dependent on the 3-point shot. But, Coach Mark Young has so many different shooters, PC might be immune to any prolonged shooting slumps. And, sophomore Bailey Norwood has grown up enough to give the team some inside punch.
Strong, now, I cannot figure. The Lady Bulldogs looked disinterested at Parkers Chapel but has beaten the Lady Dragons twice. I witnessed the win in the Dual State finals. I was impressed with Strong's grit in that game just like I was in the Fairview Tournament against Camden Fairview. How can this be the same team that blew a big lead at Hampton and got mercy-ruled at Parkers Chapel?
Junction City can't shoot. Until the Lady Dragons prove they can make anything other than a layup, opponents will pack the defense into the paint to take away the power and strength of Khadijah Webster and the slashing ability of Nikayla Fisher. Nathan's absence takes away a shooter and forces Fisher to the point and away from her natural position on the wing.
The Lady Trojans have a two-game cushion and, barring injuries, sit comfortably in the driver's seat in the league. I look for the Lady Bulldogs to grab the No. 2 seed. I like Junction City's spirit but its youth is glaring at times. After seeing what life is like in senior high, I hope the Lady Dragons will put in the necessary work in the offseason. There's talent there but that's not enough.
All that being said, I'm begging all the girls teams in Union County, DO NOT make winning conference your primary goal. Conference is a stepping stone to bigger, more important things. I don't care what your record is, if you don't make it to state, something's missing.
Teams need to be playing at their best in the postseason. Obviously, injuries cannot be accounted for. But, everybody's goal should be to get to Pangburn. Once you get to state, nobody cares what seed you were coming out of your district.
Earlier, I tabbed Junction City as the team to beat, based on their performance in the Fordyce Tournament. Unfortunately, the Lady Dragons suffered an injury to point guard Jyrezhia Nathan, which has changed the team's makeup severely. Junction City is now woefully shorthanded in the backcourt, which happens to be an area of strength for both Parkers Chapel and Strong.
The Lady Trojans have been a bit of a surprise for me. Honestly, I was concerned they might be a bit one-dimensional, too dependent on the 3-point shot. But, Coach Mark Young has so many different shooters, PC might be immune to any prolonged shooting slumps. And, sophomore Bailey Norwood has grown up enough to give the team some inside punch.
Strong, now, I cannot figure. The Lady Bulldogs looked disinterested at Parkers Chapel but has beaten the Lady Dragons twice. I witnessed the win in the Dual State finals. I was impressed with Strong's grit in that game just like I was in the Fairview Tournament against Camden Fairview. How can this be the same team that blew a big lead at Hampton and got mercy-ruled at Parkers Chapel?
Junction City can't shoot. Until the Lady Dragons prove they can make anything other than a layup, opponents will pack the defense into the paint to take away the power and strength of Khadijah Webster and the slashing ability of Nikayla Fisher. Nathan's absence takes away a shooter and forces Fisher to the point and away from her natural position on the wing.
The Lady Trojans have a two-game cushion and, barring injuries, sit comfortably in the driver's seat in the league. I look for the Lady Bulldogs to grab the No. 2 seed. I like Junction City's spirit but its youth is glaring at times. After seeing what life is like in senior high, I hope the Lady Dragons will put in the necessary work in the offseason. There's talent there but that's not enough.
All that being said, I'm begging all the girls teams in Union County, DO NOT make winning conference your primary goal. Conference is a stepping stone to bigger, more important things. I don't care what your record is, if you don't make it to state, something's missing.
Teams need to be playing at their best in the postseason. Obviously, injuries cannot be accounted for. But, everybody's goal should be to get to Pangburn. Once you get to state, nobody cares what seed you were coming out of your district.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
161-2
Read this story on ESPN.com yesterday.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- A Southern California high school basketball coach has been suspended and faces accusations of mercilessly running up the score after his team won a game 161-2, one of the most lopsided scores in state history.
Arroyo Valley High girls' coach Michael Anderson was suspended for two games after the victory last week against Bloomington High.
Anderson said that he wasn't trying to run up the score or embarrass the opposition. His team had won four previous games by at least 70 points, and Bloomington had already lost a game by 91.
"The game just got away from me," Anderson told the San Bernardino Sun on Friday. "I didn't play any starters in the second half. I didn't expect them to be that bad. I'm not trying to embarrass anybody."
He says if he had it to do again, he'd have played only reserves after the first quarter, or, "I wouldn't play the game at all."
But Bloomington coach Dale Chung says Arroyo Valley used a full-court press for the entire first half to lead 104-1 at halftime.
"People shouldn't feel sorry for my team," Chung said. "They should feel sorry for his team, which isn't learning the game the right way."
Anderson has served one game of the suspension, a game his team won 80-19 with his son Nick at the helm. He'll return after sitting out one more.
"He's a great X's and O's coach," Chung said. "Ethically? Not so much. He knows what he did was wrong."
I love the quote from the losing coach who says, people shouldn't feel sorry for my team. They should feel sorry for his team, which isn't learning the game the right way.
Really?
If a group of players lose 161-2, I'm going to say that group hasn't learned the game in the right way. What lesson is he teaching his team?
You know, there was a time when a person had to be qualified to participate. People who couldn't sing, didn't get to join the choir. Girls who couldn't do a flip, didn't get to be cheerleaders. Kids who couldn't play basketball, didn't get to be on the team.
It's not that way anymore. You don't have to be qualified to play. It's your right to be on the team.
Back when I was a kid, we played pick-up ball. The games were to 15 or 21. If you could win the game 21-0, you did it. You never thought about whether you were embarrassing the other team. Hell, you wanted to embarrass them. That was the goal. Beat them 21-0 and then laugh at them for losing 21-0.
I don't remember many 21-0 games. Know why? Because everyone knew what would happen if they got skunked so they showed some backbone and fight and made sure they didn't get beat like that. Or, if they weren't good enough to compete, they kept their butts off the court.
If you lose 161-2 and lose another game by 91 points, the primary lesson you should've learned is you're not basketball players. Am I saying they shouldn't play? Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Not competitively, anyway.
"Oh, but they love the game and have every right to participate as anyone else," you say.
First of all, if they loved the game, they wouldn't get beat 161-2. Second, when you compete, you run the risk of getting embarrassed if you're not prepared.
It's not your opponent's job to boost your self-esteem. My job is to score. Your job is to stop me. It's called competition, matching my skills against yours. That's why it's fun. If you don't have any skills, why are you on the court?
Please, stop saying it's your right.
I can't swim. So, why don't I go join a swim team? It's my right.
By the way, since I can't swim but it's my right to be on the team, I'm going to need you to take all the water out of the pool so I can compete. Or, at the very least, give me some of the floatee things so I don't drown. And, in a show of good sportsmanship and to avoid embarrassing me, you have to dog paddle so you don't beat me too badly.
Should a team beat another team 161-2? Personally, as an adult, I wouldn't try to humiliate children. But, as an adult, if I had a team so inept, I would spend more time practicing and less time seeking pity. If his girls like to play but don't have the time to practice and become competitive, perhaps a competitive league isn't for them. They can still play on their own in the backyard or at a local gym. Pick-up games are fun.
At least on the playground, you'll only lose 21-0.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- A Southern California high school basketball coach has been suspended and faces accusations of mercilessly running up the score after his team won a game 161-2, one of the most lopsided scores in state history.
Arroyo Valley High girls' coach Michael Anderson was suspended for two games after the victory last week against Bloomington High.
Anderson said that he wasn't trying to run up the score or embarrass the opposition. His team had won four previous games by at least 70 points, and Bloomington had already lost a game by 91.
"The game just got away from me," Anderson told the San Bernardino Sun on Friday. "I didn't play any starters in the second half. I didn't expect them to be that bad. I'm not trying to embarrass anybody."
He says if he had it to do again, he'd have played only reserves after the first quarter, or, "I wouldn't play the game at all."
But Bloomington coach Dale Chung says Arroyo Valley used a full-court press for the entire first half to lead 104-1 at halftime.
"People shouldn't feel sorry for my team," Chung said. "They should feel sorry for his team, which isn't learning the game the right way."
Anderson has served one game of the suspension, a game his team won 80-19 with his son Nick at the helm. He'll return after sitting out one more.
"He's a great X's and O's coach," Chung said. "Ethically? Not so much. He knows what he did was wrong."
I love the quote from the losing coach who says, people shouldn't feel sorry for my team. They should feel sorry for his team, which isn't learning the game the right way.
Really?
If a group of players lose 161-2, I'm going to say that group hasn't learned the game in the right way. What lesson is he teaching his team?
You know, there was a time when a person had to be qualified to participate. People who couldn't sing, didn't get to join the choir. Girls who couldn't do a flip, didn't get to be cheerleaders. Kids who couldn't play basketball, didn't get to be on the team.
It's not that way anymore. You don't have to be qualified to play. It's your right to be on the team.
Back when I was a kid, we played pick-up ball. The games were to 15 or 21. If you could win the game 21-0, you did it. You never thought about whether you were embarrassing the other team. Hell, you wanted to embarrass them. That was the goal. Beat them 21-0 and then laugh at them for losing 21-0.
I don't remember many 21-0 games. Know why? Because everyone knew what would happen if they got skunked so they showed some backbone and fight and made sure they didn't get beat like that. Or, if they weren't good enough to compete, they kept their butts off the court.
If you lose 161-2 and lose another game by 91 points, the primary lesson you should've learned is you're not basketball players. Am I saying they shouldn't play? Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Not competitively, anyway.
"Oh, but they love the game and have every right to participate as anyone else," you say.
First of all, if they loved the game, they wouldn't get beat 161-2. Second, when you compete, you run the risk of getting embarrassed if you're not prepared.
It's not your opponent's job to boost your self-esteem. My job is to score. Your job is to stop me. It's called competition, matching my skills against yours. That's why it's fun. If you don't have any skills, why are you on the court?
Please, stop saying it's your right.
I can't swim. So, why don't I go join a swim team? It's my right.
By the way, since I can't swim but it's my right to be on the team, I'm going to need you to take all the water out of the pool so I can compete. Or, at the very least, give me some of the floatee things so I don't drown. And, in a show of good sportsmanship and to avoid embarrassing me, you have to dog paddle so you don't beat me too badly.
Should a team beat another team 161-2? Personally, as an adult, I wouldn't try to humiliate children. But, as an adult, if I had a team so inept, I would spend more time practicing and less time seeking pity. If his girls like to play but don't have the time to practice and become competitive, perhaps a competitive league isn't for them. They can still play on their own in the backyard or at a local gym. Pick-up games are fun.
At least on the playground, you'll only lose 21-0.
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