Cougar Cry
Page 6
LADIES SOFTBALL
By Len Chapel
As most people know, life is a journey through hills and val
leys, but yesterday I entered into a valley as deep as any I
have ever traversed. I had the arduous task of calling six fine
ladies and informing them of the demise of the inaugural sea
son for the WCC Women’s Softball. I say fine ladies because
that is what they are, and I’d like to explain why I have those
feelings. First, let me explain the circumstances that culmi
nated with last evening’s phone calls.
It came to the attention of WCC that there was a desire for a
women’s softball team. With that in mind, the first step was a
search for a coach. That is where I entered the picture. Then
last fall at registration, a questionnaire was filled out by stu
dents that polled their desire to participate in various sports.
Women’s softball was on the list. The list of interested
women was then given to me as a base point in which to be
gin the formation of a team.
To get the ball rolling, I contacted those who had signified
they wanted to play softball, and there were many. I intro
duced myself, thanked them, and informed them of a meeting
to be held during the fall semester. Then when the spring se
mester began, another meeting was held. Notification for this
event was posted around the campus, as well as phone calls
beings made. The net result was a list that contained over
twenty ladies, all expressing their willingness to participate in
the program. Based on this information, WCC authorized
money to be spent to properly outfit and equip the team. It
was done, and it was done without any reservations. Comers
were not cut in any manner whatsoever. Because of this, I
would like to personally thank Dr. Gordon Bums and A.D
Wes Scroggs for their firm commitment to the women’s soft
ball program.
Before practice began on Febmary 14, notices were again
posted around the campus and phone calls were made notify
ing those on the list of the commencement of practice. Like
all things in life, I expected some no-shows, but what I got
was far beyond my expectations.
Over the past five weeks I have heard every excuse why
someone, all of a sudden, couldn’t play. I admit several of
the ladies had valid reasons, things beyond their control, but,
as for the others, that is another story. And what surprised me
the most was how many did not even have the courtesy to
notify me they were not going to play. I had to find out
through other sources.
They not only let me down, but they let the school, the team,
the other ladies on the team, and most importantly, they let
themselves down. I may be old fashioned, but a commitment
is a commitment. I hope that in the game of life they are more
committal.
It is said that behind every gray cloud is a silver lining. It is
true in this case, because I met some fine ladies. They were a
mix of full-time students, cyber-classroom students, and basic
skills students. So at this time I would like to publicly thank
Sarah Brouckaert, Heather Church, Jamie Johnson, Jessica
Payne, Summer Vogel, and Christine Weber. These ladies
were there; never complaining, never questioning, always
energetic, and most importantly, I could count on them.
As I informed the ladies, I did this as a volunteer; I was not
paid. Neither was my assistant coach, Russ Vogel, with whom
it was a pleasure to be associated. Like myself, he, too, is
sadly disappointed, but I feel he will be back next year with
an optimistic outlook for the season. So will I.
The story does not end here though, because every one of the
six aforementioned ladies stated they would be there again
next year ready to play. With that kind of committed base to
build upon, along with the incoming freshman, WCC will
field a great team.
Again, I am very proud my six ladies. WCC, you can be, too.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
THE WINNERS OF
ART EXPO 2000
MOST REALISTIC
1st. Place: Richard Brown
2nd. Place: Christy Poteat
MOST EXPRESSIVE
1st. Place: 'Jordan Welbom
2nd. Place: Tracy Edsel
MOST OyNAMIC
1st. Place: ^Danny Reeves
2nd.Place: Patrick/l^cNeil
/! !
MOST ilMAGINAjjVE
1st. Place: Tracy Edsel
2nd. Place: Danny Reeves