Sporting A Cause

Monthly Archives: February 2019

HOUSY Girls’ Basketball

When was the last time you attended a high school sports game at your alma mater? If it has been a while, you may be pleasantly surprised to see folks you know in the stands and names you recognize on the court or field.

Those athletes with familiar names are likely the children or grand children of the people you went to high school with, and your bleacher mates are likely either your classmates or their offspring.

If you live in Region One here in Northwestern Connecticut, you have another good reason to catch a game. Tonight at Housatonic Valley Regional High School (Housy) the girls varsity basketball team begins its class S state tournament run against Ellis Tech.

The girls have had a season for the ages- they won the Berkshire League title as well as the BL tournament, ending their season 22-1, undefeated in league play. The last time that happened, the seniors on this team weren’t even born yet. Housy is among the smallest of the small schools in the BL yet they knocked off Northwestern and Lewis Mills- both Class M schools.

Cheering crowds mean a lot to these kids, so why not take a ride over to HVRHS this evening and support them on their quest for a state title. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

Game time is 6:00 pm.

Til next time

Willie

 

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“Freezin for a Reason” Season

It’s “Freezin for a Reason” Season.

As the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen, so goes the old timers’ adage. We know that winter has a ways to go- it is still skiing, skating, basketball and now…cold water diving season.

Crazy folks throughout the world jump into frigid waters for all sorts of reasons- traditions, celebrations, rites of passage, supposed health benefits, but it is a particularly American trait to endure this kind of discomfort for charity.

But be careful what you call it. Both “Polar Plunge” and Polar Bear Plunge” have been trademarked by Special Olympics.

Three such events are coming up soon to a body of water near you in the sportingAcause Tri-state area.

The format is pretty much the same for all of them- entrants fundraise in the days and weeks before the event and bring a certain minimum amount to the event to qualify to plunge. Both teams and individuals are encouraged to participate.

On March 2nd, the Winsted Penguin Plunge, billed as the largest grass roots fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut, will be held at the Highland Lake Boat Launch in Winsted.

Then on March 30th and 31st, the Pittsfield 2019 Super Plunge and Polar Plunge will be held on Onota Lake at Burbank Park in Pittsfield. Now this event takes winter discomfort to a whole new level. In addition to the conventional plunge on March 31st, especially masochistic enthusiasts, who have raised a minimum of $1,000, have earned the right to plunge once an hour starting on March 30th for 24 consecutive hours. Their 24th and final plunge coincides with the one-timers. Now that’s dedication! This event supports Special Olympics Massachusetts.

On April 7th, the Spring Splash will be held at The Grove on Lakeville Lake in Lakeville, CT. This event supports two popular local causes- the Jane Lloyd Fund and the John Rice Scholarship Fund. I must note that 50% of the entrants for Spring Splash are high school students from area public and private schools. Way to go Kids!

By the way, you don’t have to submerge yourself in frigid waters to participate- go to one or more of these events and watch the fun from high ground. Donations are always appreciated.

By the time the Spring Splash wraps up, who knows, maybe we’ll be golfin!

Til next time.

Willie

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This Just In: Friday night of Jumpfest has been cancelled. Saturday and Sunday events will run as scheduled

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