SAC Sound-off: Familiar Opponent
May 16, 2012
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Walled Lake Central were two of 48 softball teams that played in this season's Michigan Stars Tournament two weekends ago in Grand Blanc. Often, athletes know little about those they are facing on the opposing bench. But a final game at this year's tournament gave two MHSAA Student Advisory Council members -- Walled Lake Central junior Taylor Krumm and Notre Dame Prep junior Carly Joseph -- an opportunity for friendly competition.
Below, Joseph tells us the story from her side of the diamond.
At this year’s Michigan Stars Tournament, I had a fun and unique experience: I got to play against one of my good friends, (and fellow MHSAA Student Advisory Council member) Taylor Krumm.
Taking the field against Walled Lake Central, I was excited to see a familiar face on the other side of the field. My team, Notre Dame Prep, was warming up for our fifth and final game of the weekend, and we were more than a little tired.
For me, knowing that I would be playing not just against Walled Lake Central, but against my friend Taylor, gave me extra motivation to play hard.
As a pitcher, one of the reasons I like to play softball is the mental game. Usually, I am just pitching against another nameless batter from the other team. But that day, it was different. Taylor hit in the lead-off spot for Walled Lake, so she was the first batter I faced. Immediately, the competition was on. I was eager to strike her out; she wanted to get a hit. We both made great plays and also made some mistakes throughout the game. In the end, I wasn’t going to win the game by myself and neither was she. Even though I had some extra motivation to pull off a win, I needed to make sure that I translated that energy to my teammates.
Playing against Taylor made that game more exciting, and also put softball in general back in perspective. I knew that Taylor and I would still be friends no matter who won, which relieved some of the pressure to win and reminded me that I play softball simply because it’s fun.
PHOTO: Walled Lake Central's Taylor Krumm (left) and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep's Carly Joseph are members are the MHSAA Student Advisory Council (Photo courtesy of Lynn Wroubel).
SAC Sound-off: Why do we lead?
March 14, 2012
We asked the members of the Student Advisory Council why they lead, and what college or pro athletes are strong leaders in their eyes. Here are their answers:
Tyler Wilson, Rudyard senior
I lead because I feel like I can get my teammates going. I think by having a positive, motivational presence on and off the field/court I give my team the best chance to win. I also like being looked up to by my teammates.
From the NBA
Maria Buczkowski, Detroit Country Day senior
Shane Battier. I lead because i really care about what others have to say, and i want to properly voice their opinions as well as mine.
Lena Madison, New Buffalo senior
I lead because it comes natural to me. If I see a problem or a situation, I understand how to combat the issue and get others involved in the problem-solving along the way. Luol Dang of the Chicago Bulls is a strong leader to me. He leads by example and doesn't let others in his head by always staying focused and playing hard.
Olympic medalists
Carly Joseph, Pontiac Notre Dame junior
I lead because I want to make a positive impact on my teams so that we can work together and reach our highest potential. A pro athlete who is a strong leader in my opinion is snowboarder Torah Bright. She is always smiling and keeps a positive attitude, cares about progressing the sport, and is an inspiration to younger snowboarders everywhere.
Alissa Jones, Muskegon Catholic Central senior
I am a leader because I want to keep my team positive and confident during the sport and not bring others down. In my eyes the Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is a strong leader because even though she is the oldest Olympic swimmer, she has shown the world to always be positive and to never give up on your dreams.
NFL past and future
Elle Lehman, Portland St. Patrick senior
I lead because I like to help other succeed as well as myself. I like having a goal and being focused on it until it is achieved. A strong leader in my eyes would be Kirk Cousins because he focuses on his game, while helping others better their play as well. He has strong faith in God, and he seems very humble for achieving as much as he has.
Matt Freeman, Owosso junior
Barry Sanders. I lead because I have a passion, and I express that passion within my leadership.
The Colorado Cannon
Bailey Truesdell, Grand Blanc senior
I lead to help bring the best out of people and let them reach their full potential. An athlete who is a strong leader that I look up to is Tim Tebow, especially when he was at the University of Florida.
Kevin Beazley, Detroit Catholic Central senior
I lead because it is embedded in my character. I lead because I personally do not want anyone to outwork me in anything I do, and others like to follow my example. Tim Tebow is the best leader in my eyes. The college game he wore John 3:16 on his eye black over 100,000 people looked up that verse that night. Best leader I know today.
Evan Lamb, Rogers City junior
I lead because I feel that it's something I need to do, and I don't like being a follower. A strong leader in my eyes is Tim Tebow in his days at Florida.