Mistakes in sports are usually called errors, and they can be a pretty big deal. A foot fault can lose a game. A fumble can cost a championship. Signing an incorrect scorecard disqualifies a golfer. A blown call can ruin a pitcher’s perfect game.
We all make mistakes — everyday. We don’t mean to, but we do. Resilient people try to deal with them, learn from them and move on. We hope others will forgive us and refrain from reminding us about it forever. Athletes don’t seem to have the same luxury.

Summer sports leagues are kicking off, and it’s an exciting time of year for kids. Thankfully, there are caring adults willing to volunteer their time and energy to help coach teams. I might also add, they are likely to volunteer a bit of their sanity too! It’s a tough job.
Some coaches have had personal experience in the sport, some have coached before and some may have been innocently sitting there watching a practice and been drafted. All good coaches have one thing in common: they enjoy working with kids and put players first.

“Did you win?” We always want to know the answer to that question, don’t we? After all, this is athletics we’re talking about. It’s why we keep score. To win is the object of the game. Well, isn’t it?
Those of us who parent or coach school-aged children need to be very careful about asking, “Did you win?’ Pros are paid to win. College players are adults near the peak of their athletic development and are expected to win. Children are not short adults! They’re a work in progress. If kids get the message from us that winning is all that matters, bad things can happen.

High school fall and winter sports seasons are over. What are not over are the lifetimes of memories that were made. Kids and coaches everywhere worked hard to achieve high levels of success. Parents made sacrifices to help their kids. Fellow students filled the stands with cheering support. Communities backed their teams with enthusiasm and pride. Is has been a great 2009-2010 sports school year in the area.
We have been treated to spectacular exploits from local high school teams and individuals! Getting to state is a personal goal of every good team and athlete in Ohio. It’s an achievement only a few can earn. It’s been truly exciting to have several teams and athletes advance to the state tournaments from different sports. Some have performed so well they’ve earned state championship and runner-up honors at the highest level.