Saturday, May 22, 2010

Golf Conference

Crothersville and 8 other teams headed south to Memphis at Champions Pointe to compete in the Southern Athletic Conference. Trinity, Henryville, New Washington, South Central, Columbus Christian, Lanesville, Borden and Rock Creek. Tee time was 12:30PM
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Carl Bowman, Kyle Davis, Marc Bowman, Zach Elliott, Kayla Barnett, Cameron Royalty, Corey Lewis and Patrick Sweazy unloaded from the bus and made their way to the club house to get their bag of balls and head to the driving range to warm up.
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Each team member took their time warming up. Cameron
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Kyle
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Zach
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Corey
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Patrick
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At least everyone was in agreement about which way the ball was hit...
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Starting everyone from hole one gave the fourth and fifth team member a little bit of time to relax and watch the competition in front of them.
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Champions Pointe is a beautiful designed golf course with attractive scenery whichever way you look.
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The front 9 started out fairly decent for Patrick, with just a few 1, 2 or 3 over pars to finish with a 57.
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After a short break, we headed to the back 9. Sometimes I wonder what is going through their minds, as they are walking to hit their ball again.
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Chipping to the green...
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All four make it to the green and eyed their ball prior to hitting it in the cup.
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Grandma and Papaw stayed for almost 5 hours, until they pooped out and headed home.
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Finishing up on hole 18, with the clubhouse in the background, his last stroll down the fairway, the day of golf was winding to a close. The back 9 proved to be a bit easier as Patrick finished it with a 53. His total for the day was 110.
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The final score sheet.
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All in all it was a great day for Patrick and the Tiger team. This was my first golf conference and it was everything I was looking forward to and more. Next up for the Tiger team is the sectional which will be held at Bedford.

I can hardly wait!

Final scores were Trinity 359, Henryville 378, Lanesville 387, Columbus Christian 413, New Washington 425, Borden 430, South Central 431, Crothersville 442, and Rock Creek 504.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Beautiful Promise

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The varsity baseball team traveled northwest of Westport for a game against South Decatur. Surprisingly, we played the entire game without a delay of lightening or raindrops. Unfortunately, others weren't as lucky as us.

Thankfully, we always have His promise...
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Sunday, May 16, 2010

What's Up There?

I only had my zoom lens and couldn't get a good shot of the clouds as they were rolling in...Photobucket

Just like the above photo, this set of clouds didn't bring any rain either, but they were still pretty to look at...Photobucket

Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Tournaments and Friends

I can remember several years ago when my parents and I would follow my brothers and their baseball teams all over Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky to play in tournaments. My brothers teams were pretty awesome back then and we would usually end up playing in the championship game each weekend.

This past weekend was a little different in several different ways. One, Patrick's team didn't get to play in the championship game. Two, I think I actually enjoyed being at a baseball diamond all day Saturday. Three, new friendships were made and old friendships were made stronger.

Nice hat Greg!
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We left Crothersville at 8AM and traveled to Mitchell. Unlike the past, Saturday was just a four team tournament. Crothersville vs Mitchell, followed by Shakamak against Clarksville. Following the opening two games, the consolation game would be played, followed by the championship game. Regardless, we were guaranteed two games.

Our first game was over too quickly as we were defeated 11-1 in six innings.

During my brothers baseball years, the parents of the players would always get together and plan the meal for the day. We still do that today! Ham, turkey, bologna and cheese sandwiches, potato salad, cookies, chips, drinks, apples, bananas, etc. Basically, you name it, someone has probably brought it! I was too busy getting things ready for the hungry young men and unfortunately wasn't able to snap any pictures.

After the athletes got their bellies full, some played cards, some just relaxed and some played football.
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After getting up early, packing the vehicles with everything needed for the entire day, sitting through the first game, and eating lunch, some just crumbled from exhaustion.
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Others just relaxed and watched as Clarksville beat Shakamak in 8 innings 4-3.
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After everything was cleaned up and put away it was time to play some baseball again. Crothersville faced a very experienced team and eventually lost to Shakamak in the consolation game.

In both games the Tigers played well and I'm sure gained some experience. Eventually the wins will come and pretty soon we should once again be bringing home the hardware after the championship game, just like in the past.

Patrick on defense at second base.
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After the team was loaded on the bus and headed home, they decided to stop at McDonalds for their supper meal. When we were getting ready to leave, the clouds rolled in and a thunderstorm poured down. Unfortunately, the championship game was cancelled and I'm not sure when or if it will be played.

50 Year Member

Recently, 16 of the 17 members of Phi Beta Psi Sorority, along with a few special guests, met at the burg's local restaurant, Lucille's, to honor Norma England.

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Fifty years ago, Norma became a member of the sorority. For the past month we have been planning this celebration right under her nose and she had no clue about it until she walked into the restaurant and everyone yelled, "Surprise!"

It was a great evening with fellow sisters and special friends. Some couldn't get over the shock of being there...

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Kendra Smith will be celebrating 25 years as a sorority member in September!

Norma is a great role model for many. I will be 94 years old when I get my 50 year pin, but I will always remember this evening I got to share with a great person.

Congratulations Norma!

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Peeks and Valleys

Life is full of them!

It is often a struggle to make it to the top of the peek. But, when you finally make it to the top and you fall all the way to the bottom, in the lowest part of the valley, that's when you learn the most in life.

If only everyone played by the same rules. That would make it fair.

Two more weeks of peeks and valleys, then I get a break. It can't come fast enough!

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

I Love the Game!

Today Patrick traveled to Pekin (Eastern) for a baseball game. Sadly, the Tigers haven't won a game yet this year, but tonight was a bit of a different story. The final score was 10-7 in favor of the Musketeers. Other games the young men have played has been 12-2, 14-3, 15-1, etc. All games lost after a fourth inning 10-run rule. Tonight we were down to the final out, in the top of the seventh inning, before the outcome of the game was determined. Tonight was still a loss, but, in my opinion, it was a win mentally. Hopefully that will be what the young Tiger team needs to start putting some runs on the scoreboard and some wins in their back pockets.

I help the team by doing the scorebook. I've done a scorebook since Patrick has been 5 years old and playing in Pee Wee League. From there, to Little League to Pony League and now on to High School. It's fun to watch all the kids grow from opponents to teammates.

The parents and fans that used to be on separate sides during the youth leagues are now united and on the same team. Who would have thought that would have happened when we were so competitive during the Little League days?

Next game for the Tigers is a doubleheader home game against Borden. Hopefully the young men will grow from tonight's experiences and build on their accomplishments.

I am very proud of the Tiger team tonight and look forward to Saturday! I'll post results and maybe some pictures too of the next game.

Goooooo Tigers!

Patrick scores on a grand slam from Dalton Brasher

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Showing some of his defensive skills at third base

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Saturday, May 01, 2010

Community Weekend

Saturday is a day most in our little burg look forward too all winter. Community yard/garage sale day. A little bit of rain over night and a few sprinkles early this morning didn't dampen their spirits. Some can't wait for this day to get rid of their junk they have stored and not used for years, as well as some that look forward to this day to find that special treasure they have been looking for forever.

We were up early this morning and out shopping at sunrise. Bargains were easy to find. Ric and Patrick found some tools and some fishing equipment that they couldn't live without! I found my brother a lawn mower, that works! I don't know who was happier, us or the seller!

Food was a big part of the day too. FFA had their world famous pork burgers at The Peoples' Bank, the men's auxiliary had pulled pork sandwiches and the volunteer firemen had their delicious fish sandwiches at the fire department. The funnel cake van was at the stop light with several people getting their warm, sweet dessert.

I am looking forward to the days ahead with today being sort of the kick off to spring, which means warm weather, grilling out, opening the pool and sharing the warm sunny days with family and good friends.