Goose gone wild

Winter high school sports are now behind us and all of the tournament results are in the books. I really enjoyed watching numerous games being televised from late morning into late evening. Many nights I went to bed with my peepers totally burned out.

Watching the boys’ state hockey tournament, I witnessed something different and amusing. When the players are introduced they all skate up to the camera, show off their hair styles, and say something like, “Hi Mom and Dad,” or “Hi Grandma or Grandpa.” One never knows what a high school athlete may say or do.

A young hockey player from Luverne skated up to the camera with a message for his girlfriend taped on the blade of his stick. “Will you go to prom with me?” The next day there was a short segment with the girlfriend holding a hockey stick with a message accepting. The whole episode went viral and the Minnesota State High School League stepped in immediately with a change for introductions. No more messages, no more talking, just a nice wave to family or fans in the bleachers. Coaches addressed the rule changes, which were also carried over to the boys’ basketball tournament.

Our two political parties can take a lesson from the MSHSL. Instead of, “You are not listening to us,” maybe those politicians can compromise to get something done in a hurry. Maybe they can find a bipartisan way to put our billions in surplus funds to good use. I do have a question for our governor and elected officials. “With billions of dollars in surplus…think the good citizens of Minnesota are taxed too much?”

Spring high school sports are now in full swing. Athletic directors are busy scheduling gym spaces so the many outdoor teams can temporarily practice inside. A late, unpredictable spring creates challenges for athletes and coaches as they prepare for their upcoming games and events.

I coached softball with Lori Miller for years; we tried to make practices as fun and fundamental as possible. The gym was divided into hitting areas, fielding areas, and pitching stations. When the younger players were throwing and playing catch, I had one concrete rule: never turn your back to girls throwing a softball.

A softball is bigger than a baseball and just as hard. If an errant throw hits you, the head area is the worst. You may find yourself lying on the gym floor looking up at big white stars. Getting hit by a softball also leaves the perfect shiner if you are struck in the eye area.

During spring season, coaches have to prepare for cancellations. Snow, rain, wind, and cold temperatures can leave teams benched for a week.

We played in Kasson one year and arrived in a mini snowstorm. The game was played in the worst of conditions. The field actually turned white during the game. Our pitcher threw strikes with velocity, warming her hand in gloves between innings. Our hitters really hit the ball. We boarded the bus cold and shivering, but were rewarded by hot chocolate the parents of players had purchased. A great victory; I was so proud of those young ladies.

A few weeks later we were on the bus headed east on Highway 14 to play Owatonna. Just leaving Waseca, a Canadian goose flew through the windshield, shattering the glass but surviving to run around inside the bus. Players screamed and raised their feet onto their laps. I opened the door and ran the poor goose back out where it belonged.

No one was injured and the bus driver did a wonderful job guiding us through the crisis. Another bus was sent out, we boarded, and went on to play the game. Needless to say, the girls weren’t in their best form, still in shock despite the relatively positive outcome. We returned to Waseca with no wins that day.

A big change for Minnesota high school basketball has been implemented for the upcoming season. Varsities must not play with a 35-second shot clock. I’ve attended two slow down basketball games; I would describe them as the most uneventful I have ever attended. One of the scores was 24-13; I’d rather watch paint dry.

I talked with Seth Anderson, Waseca boys’ head varsity coach. Seth said the clocks have already been installed. He doesn’t believe the new equipment will lead to any big changes, since most high school teams already play an up-tempo game. Fans like to watch athletes run and gun, a fast break, or shooting the three. Athletes enjoy playing this style of ball as well. Seth also stated that 35 seconds is plenty of time to run a play.

It will not take one person on the scoreboard and one to run the clock. Referees better be getting in the best of shape; they’ll be running a few miles more. The days of stalling are now over, a relief to all of the fans in the stands.

Major League Baseball is now upon us. Tune in for next week’s column; I’ll be sharing some thoughts on baseball’s new rule changes. Go Twins!!