Potpourri of thoughts: Panther sadness to childhood sports venue reimagined
Panther sadness to childhood sports venue reimagined: This ancient brain has so many thoughts that a potpourri column would suffice.
Some may think this method is lazy, and the writer can’t focus on one thing. Why choose one topic when you may choose several?
This column includes pain, love, history, and predictions.
Elizabeth Bianchi died Aug. 20 after a long, valiant struggle with illness. Bianchi, 39, was a science teacher and cross-country assistant coach. She never lost her bright, cheery personality despite health issues.
She was graceful and noble. She tried her best and never complained. I’ve often thought about the 2001 MVHS graduate.
Declarations
I had planned to write about Bianchi’s adventure, but life intervened. To my surprise, she died. We discussed a piece, and I even emailed her questions, but it never happened. I regret not telling her story when she was alive.
I recently encountered George Gould, longtime Panther cross-country coach, and shared my regret about a lost student. As an assistant coach and person, Bianchi meant everything to him. In January 2021, Gould gave me feedback on a Bianchi story I never wrote and should publish. said
We’re old friends. She was my track coach at Medomak Valley. This was before auto-scoring… Elizabeth hand-tabulated the meet. Other coaches sought her advice.
Elizabeth asked if I needed an assistant coach when she returned to Medomak Valley as a teacher. She was an instant asset to the cross-country team. Without her help, we’d have fewer successful seasons. Elizabeth accomplished everything correctly and knew what to do and when.
What a brave person, overcoming her medical issues with elegance and persistence. She’s a role model for all runners. Elizabeth was the KVAC, regional, and state award presenter. She’s the best… She dominated all events, athletes, and first through seventh positions.
Passing out numbers, pins, and shoe tags at ‘major’ meets might go unnoticed. She sent me to scout or talk to other coaches, and she did this perfectly. She knew I didn’t like doing it, so she took over. Elizabeth has been with me from the mountaintop to the valley. There to celebrate successes and console me during losses.”
Now Gould, Bianchi’s family, and MVHS must deal with a tragic loss – a young lady with so much to live and contribute.
Remarks
As an adult, Rockland Golf Club has been my playground. As a teenager, I hung around there, but not for long. From April through October, I jump out of my car, check into the pro shop, toss my clubs over my back, and walk nine holes of golf.
With me, myself, and I for company. As I wander around in this magnificent outdoor pleasure, I remember what the course meant to me as a Rockland District High School senior. I didn’t play golf until age 28, although I walked to the course for cross-country practice and meets as a teen.
I’ve traveled hundreds of miles on that historic terrain as a golfer and runner. We started our races near the second green.
We ran the front nine holes backward, staying on the property’s edge, going around the first green, in front of the first tee, behind the ninth green, around the practice area, around the seventh green, along the seventh fairway, around the corner near the sixth green, and down to the fifth and fourth greens. And then we ran back.
Off the sixth tee box, we rushed through the trees. A narrow track meant one had to be in the right spot before entering the jungle. Then we went back to the second tee and sprinted down the second fairway.
I fared well in my one year of cross country (I just did it to be in shape for basketball), but I cherished every tough step with my 40 to 50 teammates and respected coach, Gary Davis.
Statements
I ran the KVAC championship on RGC. I was a top-three runner for our team and finished first or among the top few in races throughout that fantastic season.
It was the most physically and mentally difficult activity I’ve done, yet I love the memories of aches, pains, suffering, puking, and lifelong friendships. I won several team championships in baseball and basketball, but nothing compared to cross country, where I constantly hunt for perfection.
• The Patriots are puzzling. Who runs the attack and defense? Unknown. 8-9, no playoffs. I think they’ll be back in the playoffs and Super Bowl hunt in a few years. In the meanwhile, they must safeguard Mac Jones so he can become a good quarterback.
• After providing us so much delight in 2021 (remember Fenway Park’s amazing atmosphere in the one-game playoff with the hated but revered New York Yankees last fall?) Boston Red Sox played uninspired and horrible baseball in 2022, getting within two games of the World Series (the recent sweep of the awful Texas Rangers, notwithstanding).
DH
What’s next? I’m not sure, but they need to make a real attempt to sign Rafael Devers (although I think his future is at first base) and try to extend Xander Bogaerts, move him to third, let Story stay at second, move Raffi to first, and sign a shortstop until one of their top shortstop prospects is ready. They need pitching (particularly for the bullpen), a new DH, and a productive cornerstone outfielder.
Bill Russell surpassed athletics. What he accomplished on the basketball court — college, Olympic, and professional championships — was extraordinary, but what he represented as a human being, his humility, and what he did for social change is much more important. He was a sports hero.
Lucas Brower made the game-ending and championship-deciding play in Free Press Redwings’ postseason run. Brower is a giving young man with his heart and intellect in the right places, especially with youngsters.
He grew up locally before attending Hyde School in Bath and excelled in athletics (he can hit a golf ball and softball far), but his personality makes him special. He didn’t always get what he deserved for his hard work in sports when he was younger (I know because I coached him in baseball), so it was good to see a wonderful young guy make the critical play to help his team achieve — and feel pure delight with his friends and family. Brower, thanks.
• I’m struggling. Greg Norman’s my favorite golfer. I adored watching Great Whites attack golf courses. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was golf’s No. 1 for 331 weeks. Norman was a good golfer. I wanted to play like him.
He was great but couldn’t close the deal (remember when he blew a six-stroke lead at the Masters?). Others’ spectacular shots cost him tournaments (Larry Mize holed a 140-foot chip at the 11th at Augusta in the 1987 Masters to beat Norman in a playoff). What about Norman’s Saudi-backed LIV Tour? Norman’s new tour features team competition, shotgun starts, three-day events, and tonnes of guaranteed money.
PGA
I’ll wait and see how the new tour compares to the PGA’s history and tradition. It also has ties to Saudi Arabia, a country with a shady human rights record (particularly for women).
Norman hasn’t made many friends in the PGA’s established world. I loved him as a player and valued his adventurous lifestyle and physical fitness, but his new venture puzzles me. It’s loud and gimmicky.
Maybe that’s the future of this silent sport. Has the shark swallowed more than he can chew? Is he trying to change the PGA’s historic commercial practices? What happens?
• I’m covering high school autumn sports for the 40th year. I know my career is winding down, but I’m still inspired to follow young Midcoast athletes as they pursue team and personal goals.
Covering youth and adult athletes has been a privilege. I’m thankful to have been in their lives.
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