October 27, 2014 at 3:40 p.m.
Shoutouts & Callouts
Supporters, selfless act deserve recognition
Shoutouts & Callouts
A thought crossed my mind Friday while attending the Rhinelander Ice Association's Faceoff Banquet. It is time once again to thank those who support sports in the community in some way shape or form.
Scores of individuals and businesses donated items to the event while countless others bid on items and/or took part in raffles all to raise funds for the association. Granted most in attendance had a vested interest in the RIA (read: a son/daughter/relative involved in programs sponsored by the association), but still rink manager Brett Aylesworth said the event raised over $10,000 for the association, a staggering sum for a Friday evening event.
This Saturday the Hodag Gridiron Club plans to have a fundraising banquet of its own. While its expectations for the event are perhaps more modest than the RIA's banquet, the premise is still the same - people coming together to support kids and the value athletics can play in their development.
It isn't just these two events - far from it. You see it when folks show up for local sporting events, or donate to the sports programs - either through the Rhinelander Athletic Booster Club, or the numerous individual booster clubs that dot the local sports landscape.
As one who fervently supports athletic endeavors, that warms my heart. While there is always room for more people to support these events, those who do tend to support them strongly, as evidenced by what I saw Friday.
So if you or your business support area athletes, thank you.
As for the kids who benefit from this generosity and support, I hope you read this column and take the time to thank those supporters for what they do to help you play the games you enjoy. The onus is on you to show them that their efforts are a worthwhile investment.
Extra point: Sportsmanship personified
Last week I expounded upon some examples of sportsmanship - both good and bad - I had witnessed the previous week.
This week, I'll let the photo at right tell the story.
A D.C. Everest runner, who was in visible distress, fell less than 200 meters from the finish line and was helped - practically carried - to the finish line by a Shawano runner, identified to me by Shawano coach Steve Stomberg as junior Teagan Monflis. Under high school rules, a runner can neither be assisted nor assist another runner across the finish line. Therefore, both runners were disqualified from the event.
I'm not about to get on my soapbox and claim that the rule is grossly unfair. Rather, let's recognize the act for what it was - a glowing example of humanity trumping competition.
Both runners were near the front of the pack, but just outside the cutline for qualifying for state individually. By carrying the D.C. Everest runner across, Monflis hurt herself and her team, in terms of the competition. She was Shawano's No. 1 runner at the Bay Conference meet, and likely in position for a top-30 finish on Saturday, but was that really important?
This was not the only time I've witnessed this over the course of the season. A similar situation happened with a pair of male runners during the Bill Smiley Invitational last month in Wausau.
"You hear about athletes doing this, but when it turns out to be one of your own it is a very proud feeling," Stomberg said in an email to the River News.
Indeed Stomberg, Monflis and Shawano High School should be proud of what transpired. We get so caught up with winning sometimes that we forget about the important lessons sports teaches.
Humanity is one of those lessons, as this picture perfectly demonstrates.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.