Perfect Ending

I started this post about six times, only to resort to backspacing. I've been trying to find an eloquent way of summing up this year's basketball season. You see, when Chris was hired as head girls' basketball coach last spring, there was a bit of controversy. Although the support both then and now has truly been overwhelming, there were a few who vehemently opposed the change and weren't afraid to voice their opinions through various means that included, but were not limited to, traditional small town gossip, editorials in the local newspaper and even a random incoherent, profanity laced email that would most accurately be described as hate mail.

These details are only a precursor to the real story. A story that's about a group of incredible girls who are not only talented, but also driven and coachable. They were open and receptive to change and were willing to unite despite their differences. That's not to say there weren't moments of frustration and disagreements (we're talking teenage girls here, remember?), but they were able to set aside their differences and unite for a common goal. The story is also about a handsome coach who is passionate about the game of basketball, but even more passionate about the importance of building up today's youth so they are prepared to be leaders in the future. He too, was open and receptive, he listened when it mattered, and tuned out the static of the critics and naysayers.

They spent long hours in the gym, those girls and their coaches. They were dedicated to improving and stretching themselves to be better. And although, I believe coaches are vitally important to a team's success, ultimately, it was those girls who pulled together and rose above the rest. Bringing home a Regional Championship trophy and then, a week later, a State Championship trophy.

That's Grace to the far right, she got the chance to sit the bench as a manager during some of the games this season, including the championship game.

Carla even made it to two of the games at the state tournament.

We (meaning Me and our herd of littles) didn't venture south to the regional tournament. We did, however, brave the long drive to the state tournament. My mom was out of school for spring break, so she rode along with us. My sister lives in Casper and graciously opened her home to us. She even planned a list of activities and sites to visit to keep us busy while we were there. We visited the library for storytime, the dinosaur museum at the college, the indoor playplace at Menards and swam twice at the Aquatics Center. My mom and sister kept the kids while I went to Chris's games. It was the perfect ending to a long basketball season.