Sports Report PLUS

Elkhorn @ Waterford
April 23, 2019

Both head coaches were easy to talk with before and during the game. The players hustled on and off the field the entire game. Very polite and cooperative catchers on both teams too, and no "griping" on pitches that could have gone either way, just a couple of "where was that" and an "OK". But the best was at the end, when a staff member from Waterford H.S. gave each of us an "officials goody bag" that had some snacks in it, a bottle of water, and a thank you card for taking the time out of our day to be an umpire at their athletic event. In all the years of umpiring, I've never been given such an item after the game with thanks for being there.

Reporting Official: Steven Kurkowski

Marion @ Bowler
April 22, 2019

I had the pleasure of working a doubleheader between Bowler and Marion. The weather didn't look good going forward so the coaches hustled to get the games going early. I will likely not work with a better group of young ladies or coaches. When the players addressed me or my partner for any reason it was preceded by sir, and followed by thank you. The girls handed each other bats and picked up catchers masks throughout the games. They congratulated each other for good plays. The coaches coached hard and gave great instruction to their teams, but they also smiled and had fun with the kids. Late in game two, the contest was getting a little lopsided, the coach leading instructed her runner on third base to leave early to end an inning. The girls will learn a lot more than just softball when they have the opportunity to play for coaches and in front of fans like this. They learn how to treat adults and opponents with respect. 

Reporting Official: Gary Hagberg