Well, I’m back …
While I haven’t been totally in absentia, you may have noticed this column’s been missing for a while now (hopefully, some of you have missed it).
Along with a busy spring of sports action, many of you know I’ve been dealing with some health issues recently. All in all, it just didn’t seem to leave much time for my usual ramblings and musings.
Before moving along this week, I’d like to quickly thank those who have assisted with photos and info from events I’ve been unable to attend.
You know who you are and your help has been much appreciated!
Another whirlwind year of Cardinal sports action has officially come and gone. Hard to believe the 2008-09 seasons are finished and in the books.
Boone Central senior Bryce Morgan officially capped the school’s sports calendar last week by medaling in the Class C state golf tournament. Great way to finish another exciting year!
This spring also featured some impressive performances in track & field for BC athletes, notably the Lady Cards Mid-State Conference championship and the district performance that reaped 15 state meet qualifiers.
Speaking of championships, what a golden year for Boone Central’s girl’s sports programs! Following a solid volleyball campaign, the Card gals really lit it up on the basketball court – capturing the school’s initial girl’s conference crown and qualifying for the state tournament for the first time in 27 years. The track & field conference title was like putting a cherry on top of the sundae for the Lady Cardinals!
The BC boys had many exciting moments, as well. Some tough early losses set the grid season back a bit, but, as always, the Cards fought tooth and nail every minute of the campaign and appeared in the qualifying round of the playoffs – keeping alive a long string of Cardinal post-season appearances.
The basketball season featured one of the most dramatic post-holiday turnarounds our school has probably ever witnessed and took a thrilling ride all the way to the sub-district final. BC wrestlers and track/field athletes contributed their own shining moments.
All in all, another year for Boone Central athletes and fans to take much pride in.
Now, a quick breather, and we’ll do it all again!
One final note this week …
I don’t know how many of you follow the college baseball scene that has moved into NCAA Regional action to determine the 2009 College World Series participants.
Just in case you missed it, I’d like to mention one of the most amazing athletic feats I’ve ever heard of – a part of Saturday’s NCAA-record 25-inning battle between Texas and Boston College (won 3-2 by the ‘Horns).
Now, I’m no fan of the burnt orange, but I have to give credit where it’s due. And, man, is it due here!
Texas called on star reliever Austin Wood in the seventh inning of the marathon contest. All Wood did was proceed to pitch 13 innings. That’s right – 13 innings! However, that’s only the beginning of an incredible tale.
Wood did not give up a single hit for the first 12.1 innings of that stint. That’s also not a typo – 12.1 no-hit innings! He threw a staggering 169 pitches, striking out 14 and allowing only two hits total, before leaving with cramps in the 20th frame.
Let me just list those numbers again – 13 innings, 169 pitches, 12.1 no-hit innings, 14 K’s, 0 runs. Think about it.
It’s stories such as these – of indomitable spirit and preposterous performance – that make athletics so special.
All I can say, with deference to the late Harry Caray, is … Holy Cow!
TIME OUT by Joe Flanagan
