The Long Season of Softball
Not too many years ago the lady softball game after a long absence from a prominent place on the sports scene made a less than notable return. It was the college games first to activate the sport.
Games began to become available on television but attention was meager in the news reports. What one really noticed were the sparse crowds in the stands for games between colleges of high standing. It was obvious the game would not become a factor of interest for the rabid sports fan in America.
How mistaken could one be? Have you taken a look lately at the landscape of this game played by the girls and ladies of the world? I could give great attention to the college game and the great public interest in the battle for the national championship which culminates with the big playoff in Oklahoma at the end of the season. Let me devi- opportunity to develop their skills and be in top shape for school ball. The tournaments are just beginning for these travel teams which will take our girls to distant places for national tournaments.
The long season continues by reason of the fall season of softball in Georgia. Most states play their softball in the spring but Georgia and one other state use the better weather of the fall for their play. The state champions in each classification will be determined in Columbus on November 1. For Sonoraville, Gordon Central, and Calhoun, it won’t be long until the umpire declares “Play Ball” and the long season of softball continues. Good luck.
Cara McGowan and Her Athletic Wedding
This is a topic that will be covered in the social section of newspapers. Here I am writing about it in the sports section. Read on and you will understand why.
Last Saturday beautiful Cara McGowan wedding took place on the coast of Georgia at Sea Island. I wasn’t there but my family has reported of the lavish affair. Cara McGowan and so many of the attendants all have an athletic background in high school or college.
Cara pitched and caught on the Calhoun High Lady Jacket softball team as well as played basketball.
Her statement to the umpire after he told her not to argue with him about his strike zone, “I am not going to argue, just tell me where your strike zone is and I will throw the ball in it” is one of my most rewarding moments.
Cara’s brother Rhett walked his beautiful sister down the aisle. Rhett has just finished his football career at the University of Georgia.
I have written before about this young man who was so small in middle school it was obvious he would never be a factor on an athletic team. Wrong again, I was! Rhett was an impact player on both football and basketball teams at Calhoun High.
From there he went to Georgia (he was still too small to play college football) and became the Bulldogs punt returner and was a pass receiver on the football team. His appearance on TV was a moment to warm the heart. Rhett has the heart of a giant and is an example for all young athletes to follow who want to climb the ladder to success.
Kris Durham, outstanding athlete at Calhoun High and later a great receiver for the Bulldogs is now with the Detroit Lions, was one of the attendants.
Cara’s Sister Cassie served as Cara’s Matron of Honor. Cassie played softball and basketball at Calhoun High. It was more than a social event.
Who won the World Cup?
It is now Monday nearing noon as I write this column. People will become angry and assign all kinds of sinister motives to the next thing I am about to say. At this moment I do not know who won Soccer’s World Cup determined in a game played on Sunday afternoon.
Lest anyone think there is adverse feelings here let me explain that I have gone to bed in years gone by and did not know who won the college national basketball championship determined in a game played that night; so it has been with the Super Bowl.
Lest anyone think I am shirking stating my position on soccer let me quote from a prominent lead statement on the front of Sunday’s Rome NewsTribune Our World section. One Andrew G. Biggs of McClatchy-Tribune News Service stated “Faster-paced U.S. sports run rings around soccer’s refined boredom.”