~ From the Braintrust ~
Sports Matter.
That may seem like a pretty general statement, but for ‘The Braintrust’ this past week produced more evidence that help shed some light on the value sports play.
Every season, sports accomplishments from amateur athletes wow us, by achieving career milestones that are the result of hard work and dedication to their sport. We see it in winning state championships every year. We see this in so many individual and Team accomplishments:
- 1,000 point scorer
- School career scoring leader
- Winning streaks
- Regional Titles, sectional titles
- Ending losing streaks that span multiple years
- Reaching the sectionals and state tournaments
- State Championships
- … and the list goes on.
Celebrating sports achievements give us all reason to reflect on the value sports bring to our lives. Sports give us even more, though.
As many are aware, ‘The Braintrust’ dabbles in sports officiating, as a basketball referee and baseball and softball umpire. Great way to stay connected to the game, fantastic way stay involved. When a local basketball official reached out about an opportunity to fill in with their crew for a game at Rhinelander, it was accepted as a chance to get more floor time and work with veterans who know their craft.
The two veteran officials(you know who you are) provided insight into the game of course, and taught about basketball officiating by their pointers, gave tips and advice. That help matters, and is appreciated, but it goes beyond that. Sports officials have a bond, there is a camaraderie that is supportive and way more powerful than the game itself.
Sports matter? Better believe they do.
The night of officiating couldn’t have happened on a better day for The Braintrust: on his birthday.
As we enter tournament time for winter sports, we celebrate all that sports offer us. Get out and watch some local athletes and teams in the coming weeks.
Doesn’t get any better than this.
Sports matter.
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2023-24 OnFocus Central Wisconsin Football Conference Standings: Links to Area Conferences
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
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Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
