Cool Summer Nights

Christ Light of the Nations ballpark looked more like the old Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Friday night. Blankets, jackets and long-sleeved shirts adorned the stands as St. Norbert took on St. Rose in a 7th grade softball matchup. The temperature struggled to stay in the sixties at game time, but the Sportsmanship Brigade had no struggle at all finding good sportsmanship between these two teams. Jordan, Claire and Abby of St. Norbert were inseparable in their play and in their attitudes. Jordan is the team's catcher and a clear leader on the field. St. Norbert had a tough time with pitching during the game, but Jordan would not let her pitcher get down on herself nor would she allow her to stop competing.

Jordan was seen putting her arm around her pitcher and calming her with words of support. Claire followed Jordan's lead by working with the pitcher on her form between innings. Her attitude is as colorful as her headband. She kept her team's spirits up by yelling encouragement from her outfield position. Abby patrols the hot corner for St. Norbert. It turned into Amen Corner on Friday as every word she spoke motivated and uplifted her teammates. These three young ladies represent their parish with distinction and selecting them was a no-brainer for the Brigade.

Dave Loomis of St. Rose is a coach's coach. We really should have recorded him coaching third base. He gave firm instructions, but didn't yell at the girls. He was serious without being mean. Everyone knew he wanted to win, but he didn't display an obsession. In other words, Dave Loomis coaches kids and he acted like it. One particular play in the late innings caught the Brigade's attention. A high, fly-ball was hit to left field by St. Rose and the St. Norbert outfielder seemed poised to make the play. The ball popped in and out of her glove. She immediately threw the ball back into the infield. Coach Loomis said to her, "Way to get the ball back in. That was a tough one. It was so high up there, I'm not sure I would've caught it. Way to stay with it."

From L-R: Coach Loomis, Big Sol, Jordan, Claire and Abby

Remember, Loomis coaches for St. Rose. He said all that to a St. Norbert player. Coach Loomis gets it. Youth coaches are in place to help develop all kids. The uniform doesn't matter. When you have the opportunity to help a kid, you should. The Brigade was indeed humbled to honor Dave Loomis. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents, fans and officials who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol