An inspiring event took place in Oregon this week which reminded me of the old Irish Proverb: “Age is honorable and youth is noble.” The event- for those who missed it, took place during a NCAA Division II woman’s softball game between the rival teams from Western Oregon and Central Washington universities.
Sara Tucholsky, the 5-foot-2-inch right fielder with a .153 career batting average hits her first home run, a three-run blast, to help Western Oregon move closer to a spot in the NCAA’s Division II softball playoffs. Unfortunately, in her excitement she missed first base. Upon returning to the bag, her knee collapsed, leaving her unable to walk. If a pinch runner were to be brought in, Sara would only be credited with a single, and the runs resulting from her blast would be taken away. Rather than allow that to happen, two members of the opposing team; Mallory Holtman, and Liz Wallace then came over to Sara, picked her up and carried her around the bases to complete her home run! READ STORY/VIDEO
Just as I was thinking to myself that I had never heard or read of such an incredible display of sportsmanship, I was reminded of a similar fantastic event that took place last year on a soccer field all the way across the country in Framingham Massachusetts.
During a game between the Framingham State women’s soccer team and rival Bridgewater State College, all the Framingham State team needed was a win to solidify the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference regular-season title and advance to the postseason tournament. Framingham State appeared to take a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute of the game, but several players knew the goal had actually entered the side netting rather than the back of the goal. When play resumed, Framingham State coach Tucker Reynolds told his squad to allow Bridgewater State to score and tie the game! Bridgewater State ultimately won the game, 3-2.
After the match, in addition to receiving positive letters from the Bridgewater State coaches, players and parents, the Framingham State players were ultimately honored by the NCAA with the prestigious 2007-08 NCAA Sportsmanship Award. READ STORY.
Congratulations to the players and coaches from both Central Washington University and Framingham State College for their spirit, and courage to do the right thing!
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