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Thanks for the memories – and stories
Sue Thompson
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In the summer of 1995, I boldly responded to an advertisement for a part-time sports writer.
I thought, “This has my name all over it,” not because I had studied journalism or had any experience whatsoever in reporting, but because I love kids, and I love sports.
Since the age of 6, I was one of those kids who played every sport possible. As an adult, I taught at Seton High School, coached at various venues, officiated several sports and now could travel and cover games. “What could be better?” I asked myself.
Covering high school sports for The Catholic Review has been very rewarding. I was one of those sportswriters who preferred to sit up in the stands to cover games, meets and matches, rather than sit at the scorer’s table with my colleagues.
For me, I enjoyed taking in the flavor of the game from 20 feet above the activity. There was so much to see. More than the athletes who were courtside or on the playing field, it was the perspective of watching the coaches coach or watching some parents sit on the edge of their seats in a frenzy over game action while others would be reading a novel, barely looking up until the final buzzer sounded.
One of things I enjoyed most about my job over the last decade was interviewing coaches about their squad.
Coaches, by and large, love their players and love talking about them. Coaches are committed, focused and tremendously supportive of their athletes and managers, whatever the sport and the level of play.
Some coaches carry team statistics in their car, on their home and office computers or their PDA. Others could not be bothered with statistics, as numbers never seem to tell the full story.
It’s those coaches whom I found to be the most intriguing; the ones who focus on “team,” where every player has a role and responsibility and must carry them out for the greater good of the squad.
There’s a lot that’s wrong with sports, but there’s a lot that’s right about it, too. I believe that athletics builds character; it makes us stronger, more confident and yields friendships and relationships that can last a lifetime.
When I look back on the hundreds of games and tournaments that I have covered, the wins and losses that bring the brightest of smiles and saddest of faces, I feel blessed to have been a small part of the spirit that’s wrapped up in the sea of colors that boast of team spirit.
I’ve had the opportunity to interview members of Baltimore’s Orioles, Ravens and Blast, and a number of semi-pro athletes. I have tracked college athletes who have graduated from archdiocesan high schools, but the main focus has always been the current high school athlete.
The Catholic Review can pride itself on the balanced coverage over the years, from “A” Conference teams to “C” Conference teams, including balanced gender coverage and reaching out to our Western Maryland high schools, St. Maria Goretti and Bishop Walsh.
It has truly been a pleasure working with the athletic directors and coaches at each of the 21 archdiocesan high schools.
If you have read my stories, you know that I write from the heart. Like John Wooden, I think that participation on teams, even in individual sports, can breed success for a lifetime.
With faith and patience, Wooden says that success is the peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Thank you for helping me become the best I can be.
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