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By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
Although it was only the first league game of the season, the matchup between the Thurston Colts and North Eugene Highlanders on Thursday, Jan. 10 felt more like a state playoff game. The standing room only crowd was full of energy, particularly the student sections, and doing everything in their power to distract the other team. It must have worked, at least for the North Eugene fans, as the Colts slow start would eventually lead to a 53-45 loss against the No. 1 team in the state.
Thurston struggled to get momentum in the opening quarter, and only managed to score three points in the first eight minutes – an opening dunk by Drew Wiley and a free throw by Maddie Boehm.
“We came out really nervous and tight at the beginning. We basically wasted the first quarter but after that we did ok,” said coach Doug Piquette. “We had a real slow start but other than that we put ourselves in position to win.”
Things picked up for the Colts in the second quarter, but they still struggled to convert offensively. They also found themselves in foul trouble, eventually having seven fouls to the Highlanders three. With so many chances at the line North managed to score quickly in the second, but Thurston continued to chip away. Thurston brought the score within five after a trip up at half court that would eventually be settled by an incoming Tim Autele that would lead to a Wiley score, as well as a great three-pointer, also by Wiley. But North quickly responded with a three-pointer by Drew Laird to close out the half 19-11.
“I told them all the things that were going wrong were things we could fix,” said Piquette of his halftime speech.
Thurston fought back in the third to bring the score within three, the closest it would get all game. North found themselves in foul trouble, allowing Thurston to score five of their points that quarter off free throws. They also managed to hold North to 14 points that quarter.
“We did enough defensively to win, we just didn’t capitalize on opportunities,” Piquette said.
Fighting to keep the lead they held all game, North came out blazing in the fourth, making two consecutive three-pointers and a free throw to bring the score 42-30. Thurston didn’t manage to score until the 5:40 mark of the quarter, a pass from Wiley to Michael Akins for two. But it was just too late for the Colts. They drew the fouls against North in the final minutes, but the deficit was just too big. North’s Tyler Brown sealed the deal with two on the drive with just 1:27 left on the clock, bringing the score 49-38.
“I thought we had a chance to win but we couldn’t get over the hump,” Piquette said. “We missed a bunch of free throws and a couple easy shots here and there. We’ve got to be real careful making mistakes like that against teams like them. They just feast on turnovers and missed opportunities.”
Thurston’s players of the game were Akins and Wiley, who had 14 and 13 points respectively.
“I thought Michael Akins did a good job on attacking…Drew Wiley the same thing. They did a lot to take him away but he still got some points here and there. Defensively he did a pretty good job on Conklin except for a couple times when they didn’t double team him in time,” Piquette said.
But Thurston still has two more chances to conquer the Highlanders, who are also last year’s 5A State Champions. The two will battle it out at Thurston on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., and then again at North on Friday, Feb. 15, also at 7 p.m.
Despite the loss, however, Thurston won’t change much on their game plan.
“We’ll take a look at the film, but I’m sure we’ll do a lot of the same,” Piquette said. “We’ll do some different things on offense, but defensively we did (fine). We just need to get better at what we were trying to do.”
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Humanitarian award given to local youth
By Maren Fawkes
For the Beacon
Playing for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor soccer team, Liberty Siegle takes the field with just under five minutes left in the first half. Crossing center field, she dribbles past two South Eugene defenders and hooks the ball deep into the low far corner of the net to score the third goal of the game making it 2-3.
Displaying the same quiet confidence and determination off the soccer field, Siegle has spearheaded an effort to raise funds and to enlist volunteers to support TOPSoccer, a program that makes soccer possible for disabled children.
Siegle has been playing soccer since she was five and has learned a lot about the sport from her father, Jonathan, who both referees and coaches soccer. Siegle plays on a club team for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club as well as for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor team. She is also the youngest United States Soccer Federation certified referee in the state.
“I like soccer because it really is a team sport, where everybody has to work together,” said Siegle.
This 13-year-old home-schooled eighth grader first became involved in the TOPSoccer program last summer as a part of her bat mitzvah. She studied a passage in the Torah that talked about honest weights and measures and applied it to how people view others.
“I view this passage as giving us guidance about the way we judge people,” said Siegle in her d’var last August. “We assume that disabled people can’t do things like soccer and other sports, but we’re wrong and TOPSoccer proves that.”
To that end, Siegle asked how she could make a donation. Instead of having people give her money at her bat mitzvah, she asked them make a donation to TOPSoccer.
“I wanted to make it a community thing so they felt like they contributed and made a difference,” said Siegle.
Combining a family tradition of charity and her passion for soccer, Siegle raised and donated over $550 for TOPSoccer.
Mac Wilson, the coaching director for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club and area TOPSoccer started the program in the Eugene/Springfield area ten years ago. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl between the ages of four and 19 who has a mental or physical disability. People who participate in this program work with buddies who teach them the fundamentals through shooting, passing and dribbling exercises. Wilson nominated Siegle because “it’s impressive for a 13-year-old to not be self-centered and be that giving.”
“Even if I don’t get an award I think that there is a reward in doing TOPSoccer,” said Siegle, who enjoys working with the kids and watching them learn something new. “It gives me that warm feeling.”
Siegle continues working with the organization as co-coordinator of the volunteers. She recruits other members on her soccer team and through the soccer club to volunteer as buddies.
“Liberty is very genuine and good with the kids,” said Wilson “She really enjoys herself on the field and it shows.”
As a result of her efforts she has been awarded the state wide TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award. She will receive her award at the Oregon Youth Soccer Association Annual Awards Dinner in Portland on Jan. 26.
For more information on the TOPSoccer program or club soccer please visit the Eugene Metro Futbol Club website at http://www.eugenemetrofc.org.
For the Beacon
Playing for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor soccer team, Liberty Siegle takes the field with just under five minutes left in the first half. Crossing center field, she dribbles past two South Eugene defenders and hooks the ball deep into the low far corner of the net to score the third goal of the game making it 2-3.
Displaying the same quiet confidence and determination off the soccer field, Siegle has spearheaded an effort to raise funds and to enlist volunteers to support TOPSoccer, a program that makes soccer possible for disabled children.
Siegle has been playing soccer since she was five and has learned a lot about the sport from her father, Jonathan, who both referees and coaches soccer. Siegle plays on a club team for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club as well as for the Springfield High School junior varsity indoor team. She is also the youngest United States Soccer Federation certified referee in the state.
“I like soccer because it really is a team sport, where everybody has to work together,” said Siegle.
This 13-year-old home-schooled eighth grader first became involved in the TOPSoccer program last summer as a part of her bat mitzvah. She studied a passage in the Torah that talked about honest weights and measures and applied it to how people view others.
“I view this passage as giving us guidance about the way we judge people,” said Siegle in her d’var last August. “We assume that disabled people can’t do things like soccer and other sports, but we’re wrong and TOPSoccer proves that.”
To that end, Siegle asked how she could make a donation. Instead of having people give her money at her bat mitzvah, she asked them make a donation to TOPSoccer.
“I wanted to make it a community thing so they felt like they contributed and made a difference,” said Siegle.
Combining a family tradition of charity and her passion for soccer, Siegle raised and donated over $550 for TOPSoccer.
Mac Wilson, the coaching director for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club and area TOPSoccer started the program in the Eugene/Springfield area ten years ago. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl between the ages of four and 19 who has a mental or physical disability. People who participate in this program work with buddies who teach them the fundamentals through shooting, passing and dribbling exercises. Wilson nominated Siegle because “it’s impressive for a 13-year-old to not be self-centered and be that giving.”
“Even if I don’t get an award I think that there is a reward in doing TOPSoccer,” said Siegle, who enjoys working with the kids and watching them learn something new. “It gives me that warm feeling.”
Siegle continues working with the organization as co-coordinator of the volunteers. She recruits other members on her soccer team and through the soccer club to volunteer as buddies.
“Liberty is very genuine and good with the kids,” said Wilson “She really enjoys herself on the field and it shows.”
As a result of her efforts she has been awarded the state wide TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award. She will receive her award at the Oregon Youth Soccer Association Annual Awards Dinner in Portland on Jan. 26.
For more information on the TOPSoccer program or club soccer please visit the Eugene Metro Futbol Club website at http://www.eugenemetrofc.org.
Late pressure by Colts leads to Miller Loss
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
The first of three Miller/Colt girls basketball match-ups remained close for the entire game, that is, until the fourth quarter. Springfield led 31-28 at the end of the third, but heavy pressure from the Colts in the fourth would eventually lead to a 42-48 loss for the Millers.
Things got off to a quick start for the Millers, taking a four point lead in the first minute before Thurston got on the board with a basket by Whitney Hughes. A three-pointer by Natalie Smith would tie the game at five just minutes later. The Colts ended up taking the lead halfway through the quarter with a basket by Hughes, but they would only be able to extend their lead by four, and would lead 12-13 at the end of the first.
“Overall I thought we played well until the last quarter,” said Springfield coach Chuck Wenger. “I’m just a little disappointed we didn’t handle their pressure in the fourth quarter.”
The Millers would tie it up with just under six minutes remaining in the half when Samantha Stoner made one of her two free throws, but the Colts responded back with a made free throw of their own. Springfield would take the lead for the rest of the half with a basket by Carly King, followed by a Miller three-pointer to go up 20-19. Two free throws by Kenzie Smith would leave it 22-19 at the half.
Despite heavy pressure in the third, the Millers managed to maintain their lead, eventually taking a 28-23 lead. But offense for the Millers would stall with over half the period remaining as they would only manage three more points, a free throw and a basket by Sabra Lindahl. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the quarter to bring it 31-28 at its close.
Springfield managed to hold onto their lead for two minutes, but a basket and a made free throw by Natalie Smith would give the Colts a 34-36 lead. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the final minutes of the game, preventing the Millers from any offensive threats, and capitalizing on three throw opportunities to finish the game with a 42-48 win.
“The whole game swung on not handling the pressure in the last five minutes,” Wenger said.
Thurston coach Michelle Tuma was unavailable for comment as of press time.
The next cross town match-up will be Friday, Jan. 25 at Thurston starting at 5:30. The boys teams will play at 7 p.m. that same day.
Springfield Beacon
The first of three Miller/Colt girls basketball match-ups remained close for the entire game, that is, until the fourth quarter. Springfield led 31-28 at the end of the third, but heavy pressure from the Colts in the fourth would eventually lead to a 42-48 loss for the Millers.
Things got off to a quick start for the Millers, taking a four point lead in the first minute before Thurston got on the board with a basket by Whitney Hughes. A three-pointer by Natalie Smith would tie the game at five just minutes later. The Colts ended up taking the lead halfway through the quarter with a basket by Hughes, but they would only be able to extend their lead by four, and would lead 12-13 at the end of the first.
“Overall I thought we played well until the last quarter,” said Springfield coach Chuck Wenger. “I’m just a little disappointed we didn’t handle their pressure in the fourth quarter.”
The Millers would tie it up with just under six minutes remaining in the half when Samantha Stoner made one of her two free throws, but the Colts responded back with a made free throw of their own. Springfield would take the lead for the rest of the half with a basket by Carly King, followed by a Miller three-pointer to go up 20-19. Two free throws by Kenzie Smith would leave it 22-19 at the half.
Despite heavy pressure in the third, the Millers managed to maintain their lead, eventually taking a 28-23 lead. But offense for the Millers would stall with over half the period remaining as they would only manage three more points, a free throw and a basket by Sabra Lindahl. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the quarter to bring it 31-28 at its close.
Springfield managed to hold onto their lead for two minutes, but a basket and a made free throw by Natalie Smith would give the Colts a 34-36 lead. Thurston put forth a lot of pressure in the final minutes of the game, preventing the Millers from any offensive threats, and capitalizing on three throw opportunities to finish the game with a 42-48 win.
“The whole game swung on not handling the pressure in the last five minutes,” Wenger said.
Thurston coach Michelle Tuma was unavailable for comment as of press time.
The next cross town match-up will be Friday, Jan. 25 at Thurston starting at 5:30. The boys teams will play at 7 p.m. that same day.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Willamette defense stops Millers
The Springfield Millers girls got off to a rough start in their Midwestern League opener against Willamette on Friday, Jan. 4. Although they played strong defensively they struggled with baskets, suffering a 32-47 loss.
Although the scoring pace was slow, things started out strong for the Millers. The first quarter produced a lot of loose balls, but neither team was able to capitalize much on the turnovers. Both Kenzie Smith and Samantha Stoner came away with steals in the first eight minutes, but the team was only able to score seven points total. Two of those came from Ashlee “Po” Schnetzky, who had a great spin move past the defender to drive the ball in the basket.
“I'm not disappointed with our effort, just a little disappointed with the outcome,” said coach Chuck Wenger. “We didn’t execute nearly as well as we should have offensively. Defensively I thought we did a pretty good job.”
Springfield continued to put on pressure in the second quarter, but they found themselves in serious
rebound trouble. Although it only resulted in two points for the Wolverines, the visitors managed over five offensive rebounds on just one play.
Feeling confident having held Willamette to just 23 points at the half, the team focused on their offensive game plan during half time.
“We just have to execute on offensive,” Wenger said. “We’re not a strong rebound team, we’ve got to go the boards harder.”
The Millers opened the second half with another steal by Stoner, but again, they were unable to convert. Springfield, clearly looking tired, closed the gap to eight points with a field goal by Smith. That was the closest they would come all night.
“Probably one of the best things we did was keeping Aly Bruns from going loose,” Wenger said. “Other than free throws, she didn’t do much. Ashlee (Schnetzky) and Lindsey Leighton switched off on her and did a terrific job. Those two just did an outstanding job, basically taking her out of the job.”
Bruns was held to just 10 points.
Throughout the game, the Millers managed to find themselves at the bad end of some poor calls by the officials. Schnetzky was charged with a foul when she was no where near the infraction, and later Willamette didn't get charged when Schnetzky's arm was clearly hit while making a shot. Sabra Lindahl ended up fouling out the fourth quarter after a call many Miller fans felt shouldn't have even been made.
“We let them get to the free throw line way too often,” Wenger said. “Attempt wise it was 31-12. We actually made more field goals in the game than they did, but they were 20-4 at the free throw line.”
Leading the Millers offensively were Smith and Stoner, who had 12 and 7 points, respectively.
“Kenzie really came on and played well in the fourth quarter, particularly offensively,” Wenger said. “We did a better job getting the ball to her. She played well.”
Stoner played hard, Wenger said, despite recovering from a concussion.
“She's not at 100 percent yet, hopefully that will happen this week,” he said.
“I thought it was a good game,” Wenger said. “The kids played with a lot of emotion. This is a group capable of doing very well, we've just got to execute on both ends of the floor.”
The Millers hosted the Thurston Colts on Tuesday, Jan. 8. A game story will appear in next weeks edition.
Their next game will be Friday, Jan. 11 at Churchill High School. Game time is set for 6 p.m.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
2007 Sports in Review
Mohawk becomes 1A powerhouse
With only 90 kids in the entire school, it can be hard to develop strong championship teams. But the Mohawk Indians managed to do it in not one, but two sports this past year.
The first came in boys basketball. Mohawk faced Damascus Christian in the final game, who was trying to win back-to-back championships for the first since, fittingly, Mohawk had in 2002 and 2003. It took two overtimes to settle the battle, with Danny Reiter hitting two free throws with 33.6 seconds left in the second overtime to give the Indians a 65-54 win.
The football team’s journey was just as exciting. Proving they had a high-powered offense with a nearly 50-point-per-game average, the Indians kicked it up a knoch in their first playoff game against Powder Valley in a 90-12 routing. Their 90 points was the most amount of points ever scored in a state playoff game. That was just their first of many records set during the post-season. In a semi-final win over Crane to advance to the championship game, Mohawk kicked a field goal to win 37-34 with seven seconds remaining. That historic kick was not only the Indian’s first attempt in three years, either a field goal or point after, but the first goal in Oregon's eight-man football history, and the first in a 1A playoff game since 1947, when teams played with just six men.
Although no records were set in the championship match against Imbler, Mohawk still got the win to clinch the state title 22-16.
With only 90 kids in the entire school, it can be hard to develop strong championship teams. But the Mohawk Indians managed to do it in not one, but two sports this past year.
The first came in boys basketball. Mohawk faced Damascus Christian in the final game, who was trying to win back-to-back championships for the first since, fittingly, Mohawk had in 2002 and 2003. It took two overtimes to settle the battle, with Danny Reiter hitting two free throws with 33.6 seconds left in the second overtime to give the Indians a 65-54 win.
The football team’s journey was just as exciting. Proving they had a high-powered offense with a nearly 50-point-per-game average, the Indians kicked it up a knoch in their first playoff game against Powder Valley in a 90-12 routing. Their 90 points was the most amount of points ever scored in a state playoff game. That was just their first of many records set during the post-season. In a semi-final win over Crane to advance to the championship game, Mohawk kicked a field goal to win 37-34 with seven seconds remaining. That historic kick was not only the Indian’s first attempt in three years, either a field goal or point after, but the first goal in Oregon's eight-man football history, and the first in a 1A playoff game since 1947, when teams played with just six men.
Although no records were set in the championship match against Imbler, Mohawk still got the win to clinch the state title 22-16.
State success across the board
Springfield and Thurston teams had a strong showing at the state level this year in a variety of sports. Both high school sent teams to the state cheerleading competition, with the Colts finishing in second by less than one point, and the Millers taking home the gold.
“Thurston and Springfield traditionally have two of the strongest cheer programs in the state,” said Springfield coach Janet Fryback.
Also during the winter season, the Thurston wrestling team ran away with the district title to send 14 wrestlers to the state meet.
The spring and fall seasons proved such as fruitful for the Colts, with Alicia Omlid taking first in state for girls golf. The team finished fourth overall. Meanwhile, the Springfield boys sent their first team to state since 1990. Their fifth place finish the school's high performance ever, as well as their lowest state tournament score.
Certainly each team had their share of success during the fall season, but the most memorable performance was that of the Thurston boys soccer team. For the first time in 20 years, the Colts won a Midwestern League Title. Winning the championship was no easy task, but the team had home field advantage over Churchill to clinch the title.
Colts pull huge upset
Going into the season, the Churchill Lancers softball team had a 64-0 record. North Eugene managed to give the team their first loss in several seasons, but they were still undoubtedly the team to beat. In a late-season matchup between the Lancers and the Thurston Colts was key, as it was nearing playoff seeding. A win would move the Colts closer to the second place position in the Midwestern League.
The game was hardly a thriller, scoreless until the seventh inning. Each team had produced a fair amount of threats but they weren’t able to capitalize, frequently leaving runners stranded on base. The Colts had two runners on base and two outs after a controversial call. With senior Kelsey Rogers up to bat, the Colts were focused. Rogers, waiting for the perfect pitch, found it, smacking the ball to center field. Chloe Alverson rounded third and, running with all her might, slid into home. She was called safe and the Colts pulled out a 1-0 win.
Thurston advanced to the state playoffs, but lost in the second round to Sherwood High School.
The perfect game
The Springfield bowling team managed to bowl a perfect 300 in the Mixed Baker High School Tournament. According to the United States Bowling Congress, the perfect score was the first 300 game bowled by a mixed team in the state of Oregon, at either the high school or collegiate level. It was also only the seventh 300 game in the nation for a mixed team at either level. The members on the team were Alex Graham, Brandon Ewing, Rachael Englund, Kelsee Leno and Chris Keown.
I was certain of one thing - I wouldn't be a sports reporter
Some of you may be aware that the Springfield Beacon just celebrated its one year anniversary. Everyone on our staff has learned a lot about the newspaper business this year, myself included. Being fresh out of journalism school when I was hired, I had no idea what to expect.
There was one thing I could pretty much count on though; I wouldn’t be writing sports.
Ok, so I turned out to be wrong about that too. I remember during my interview for this job, former editor Matt Hall asked if I had any interest in sports. Without even missing a beat I firmly responded no. I admitted I enjoyed watching sports, mainly football, but had no interest in actually writing them.
For the first month of publication, Matt frequently asked me if I wanted to learn sports, and my answer was always no. Finally I caved in. Not because I changed my mind about learning, or because I thought it was something I should learn. I was bribed. By simply agreeing to learn, I would be 50 cents an hour richer. Knowing full well I wouldn’t be making much money in this business, I accepted his offer.
I started out doing features on players and any other story I could find to avoid actually covering a game. But it was bound to happen eventually, and I had to dive straight into basketball. I won’t actually admit to you how little I know about the sport, as it’s just embarrassing. I’m frequently asking my boyfriend questions about the game that any real sports reporter should know.
But what I didn’t realize how much basketball was a blessing in disguise. Spring sports were just around the corner. My first softball game was a non-league match between Springfield and Cottage Grove. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so wet in my life. I finally asked to seek refuge in the concession stand because I was so cold and wet. A big thanks to the moms running the stand who let me squeeze into the tiny booth. From there on out I made sure that I was always prepared for the elements. For about three months I made sure I had a towel, a coat, fingerless gloves and an umbrella in my car so that I would be able to brave the cold or rain.
Even when I agreed to learn how to do sports, I never thought that I would become the Beacon’s main sports reporter, let alone the only one. Budget cuts have left me trying to cover both Springfield and Thurston athletics, as well as keep an eye on Mohawk and McKenzie. That’s not an easy job, let me tell you (If anybody wants to volunteer to help with coverage, or to just submit scores call me! 741-9111). Only being able to realistically cover two games a week means that other teams aren’t getting the coverage they deserve. I feel like I am constantly letting somebody down or not being fair and covering one team more than the other. I try my best though. I sit down at the beginning of the season and figure out what games I want to cover, making sure that I have an equal number of boys and girls coverage, and that Thurston has the same amount of games in the paper that Springfield does. It never works out as well as I plan with games getting postponed, or played on the wrong day in one case, and come the end of the season I try and keep closer tabs on the games that will have a bigger effect on seeding in the playoffs.
Don’t take this as complaining though. There are certainly aspects of sports reporting that I love. It lets me spend a good portion of my hours out of the office and I get to watch some amazingly talented athletes. Plus, I think of Thurston and Springfield as my teams. I realize reporters are supposed to be objective but it’s hard. When I go to games I might be frantically trying to write down the play-by-play, but I also find myself cheering on our teams. After a tough loss I’m just as down as the next fan.
So, yes, I realize I’m not the world best sports reporter. I don’t even pretend to be. But I am trying my hardest to at least get coverage of your kids in the paper. Just bare with me a while longer while I try to figure out how to be a good sports reporter.
And if there is anybody out there who would like to give suggestions on how the paper can improve our sports section or would like to help out, let me know!
There was one thing I could pretty much count on though; I wouldn’t be writing sports.
Ok, so I turned out to be wrong about that too. I remember during my interview for this job, former editor Matt Hall asked if I had any interest in sports. Without even missing a beat I firmly responded no. I admitted I enjoyed watching sports, mainly football, but had no interest in actually writing them.
For the first month of publication, Matt frequently asked me if I wanted to learn sports, and my answer was always no. Finally I caved in. Not because I changed my mind about learning, or because I thought it was something I should learn. I was bribed. By simply agreeing to learn, I would be 50 cents an hour richer. Knowing full well I wouldn’t be making much money in this business, I accepted his offer.
I started out doing features on players and any other story I could find to avoid actually covering a game. But it was bound to happen eventually, and I had to dive straight into basketball. I won’t actually admit to you how little I know about the sport, as it’s just embarrassing. I’m frequently asking my boyfriend questions about the game that any real sports reporter should know.
But what I didn’t realize how much basketball was a blessing in disguise. Spring sports were just around the corner. My first softball game was a non-league match between Springfield and Cottage Grove. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so wet in my life. I finally asked to seek refuge in the concession stand because I was so cold and wet. A big thanks to the moms running the stand who let me squeeze into the tiny booth. From there on out I made sure that I was always prepared for the elements. For about three months I made sure I had a towel, a coat, fingerless gloves and an umbrella in my car so that I would be able to brave the cold or rain.
Even when I agreed to learn how to do sports, I never thought that I would become the Beacon’s main sports reporter, let alone the only one. Budget cuts have left me trying to cover both Springfield and Thurston athletics, as well as keep an eye on Mohawk and McKenzie. That’s not an easy job, let me tell you (If anybody wants to volunteer to help with coverage, or to just submit scores call me! 741-9111). Only being able to realistically cover two games a week means that other teams aren’t getting the coverage they deserve. I feel like I am constantly letting somebody down or not being fair and covering one team more than the other. I try my best though. I sit down at the beginning of the season and figure out what games I want to cover, making sure that I have an equal number of boys and girls coverage, and that Thurston has the same amount of games in the paper that Springfield does. It never works out as well as I plan with games getting postponed, or played on the wrong day in one case, and come the end of the season I try and keep closer tabs on the games that will have a bigger effect on seeding in the playoffs.
Don’t take this as complaining though. There are certainly aspects of sports reporting that I love. It lets me spend a good portion of my hours out of the office and I get to watch some amazingly talented athletes. Plus, I think of Thurston and Springfield as my teams. I realize reporters are supposed to be objective but it’s hard. When I go to games I might be frantically trying to write down the play-by-play, but I also find myself cheering on our teams. After a tough loss I’m just as down as the next fan.
So, yes, I realize I’m not the world best sports reporter. I don’t even pretend to be. But I am trying my hardest to at least get coverage of your kids in the paper. Just bare with me a while longer while I try to figure out how to be a good sports reporter.
And if there is anybody out there who would like to give suggestions on how the paper can improve our sports section or would like to help out, let me know!
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