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closein the redzone: Sportsmanship isn’t always forgotten
Shaun Scott
The story out of Ellensburg that’s been all over the news since late April is one of the most remarkable stories of sportsmanship I’ve ever heard of.
In a day and age where at times some overzealous parents, coaches and players put winning above anything else, a fastpitch contest between Central Washington University and Western Oregon University bucked that trend.
In the top of the second inning, Western Oregon’s Sara Tucholsky nailed a pitch over the fence for a three run home-run—the first of her career. Unfortunately for Tucholsky, as she rounded first base she crumpled to the ground injuring her knee and that’s when two Central Washington University players came to the rescue.
Central Washington University players Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace picked up an injured Tucholsky, carried her around the bases letting her touch each one of the bases with her good leg to complete the feat.
Holtman and Wallace have appeared on CBS’s Early Show and ESPN’s First Take discussing their heroic actions with the eyes of America squarely on them.
In the end, that decision to help their fallen opponent cost their team a chance at the playoffs. If they hadn’t assisted Tucholsky around the bases, the homerun wouldn’t have counted. Tucholsky’s titanic blast ended up propelling Western Oregon to a victory against the Central Washington Wildcats, knocking CWU out of playoff contention.
The more I think about what Holtman and Wallace did, the more I admire their actions.
One of my mantras in life is to always do the right thing no matter what.
These girls did the right thing and are reaping the rewards of their decision to come to the aid of a fellow athlete.
Since arriving at The Herald in late November, I’ve seen countless acts of sportsmanship in each of the sports I’ve covered. In just the past few weeks, I’ve seen Cascade Christian and Life Christian baseball players gather for a team prayer at the conclusion of their game in the center of the infield.
In addition, I’ve covered a slew of rivalry contests where teams put every ounce of energy into defeating their opponent. After each of these affairs, both teams go to middle of field with smiles on their faces while they slap hands before heading off their separate ways.
Isn’t that what sports are all about.