Have you ever noticed that no matter when a teams year ends, it is always a sad and emotional time. Unless you win the last game of the year, it’s always met with tears and heartache.
Why do we set ourselves up for the heartbreak that is inevitable? Hope!
We all hope when we set off on the adventure of the upcoming season that it will have a storybook ending. The Gatorade Bath, the dog pile on the mound, hoisting the trophy and putting on the oversized t-shirt that says Champs are on everyone’s minds when the team plays it’s first game of the year. Does anyone dream of tears and “wait until next year”?
Reality tells us few teams win their last game of the year and get that amazing celebration. On the high school level, there are many different classes and each state will name several state champs, but each classifications end with a whole bunch of disappointed players, coaches and fans. In travel ball there are many different organizations, sanctions and age groups but again each of these will have only one team that ends it’s year with a win.
When our team at UW-Parkside finished second in the NCAA Division II national championship, many people congratulated me on a great accomplishment. There were well wishes and phone calls of support. In hindsight, it was a great accomplishment by a great group of players, but at the time it felt like getting punched square in the face. Honestly, it still does!!
Time heals all wounds they say. I guess some wounds just take a little longer to heal.
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
