April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Hauser nation supports team at pep rally
It was quite the honor to attend the pep rally for our girls who entered the main gym in style and who will be traveling in style to play for the 1A State Championship. Mr. Irvine was smiling from ear to ear while stating a few words and then turning the microphone over to the coaches and the players.
Mr. Mauzy, who was instrumental in starting our program, received several standing ovations and shared how the beginning was certainly more about the joy of playing the game than winning the game. Eventually, his teams would win several sectionals but could never advance beyond the regional. He made sure to give those early teams much credit for establishing the foundation for what many feel will be a strong program for years.
Why not? This team has accomplished so much and with just two but mighty valuable seniors, Sarah Anderson and Ellie Trotter. They prepared a poem for the event with some of their lines following:
"We've played softball the past 4 years
And now we're finally the seniors
Softball, we're going to miss you so
But we still have one game left to go
...
Now there's no stopping the Jets
Everyone pitch their tents
Because we're here to win the rest
We're here to thank you all
For showing us support again and again
We're grateful to share this experience with you
We promise to give 110"
Then, they have an outstanding coaching staff led by Craig Sims. He obviously knows the game is about a lot more than just a record, and you can get a sense of his sound coaching philosophy with some of the words he humbly shared:
"The most impressive thing about this team is the fine young ladies. They are not only great softball players but are great kids that contribute to this society in a positive manner and represent the school and community with class... They made a commitment to this team and have been held accountable for their actions from day one. This is the true meaning of high school sports, forget about the 25-4 record and all the championships. Softball is not forever, but what these ladies can take away from this program and this great experience to help them in life is what defines a successful season in my eyes... "
Over and over, players and coaches expressed appreciation for the support. There are a lot of things I don't know, but I do know the Hauser Nation will show up on Saturday morning at Ben Davis High School and prove again why we are all proud to be part of a small town and small school. I also know the team will have that "not quit mentality" which Coach Sims gave several examples of toward the end of his speech.[[In-content Ad]]
