Laid back, but serious
By Staff
Justin Schuver, Sports Editor
By the time you read this column, I'll already be in Montgomery, covering Danville's softball team as it tries to win a Class 3A state title. But even more importantly, I'll be having a good time.
If you have never been to the state softball tournament in Montgomery, it's one of the more enjoyable experiences I have seen when it comes to sporting events. First, it's held in Montgomery, and while the capital city of Alabama is no Panama City or Destin, it is still a town that has beautiful weather in May. Second, it's in a gorgeous facility at Lagoon Park, a complex that enables the neutral observer to move between as many as four games being played at one single time. Third, the weather is beautiful – yes, I know I said that already, but it cannot be stated enough.
The state softball tournament in Montgomery almost seems like a contradiction in terms – the atmosphere is laid back and a little like a carnival, with the smell of greasy fried foods filling the air, yet it's also a place where teams are trying seriously to win that precious blue state championship trophy.
Yet in a way, you almost have to be laid back in order to be serious. At this point in the season, you can let the pressure overwhelm you and sometimes it's necessary just to take a step back and gain some perspective that it really is just a fun game.
I noticed this attitude from Scottsboro, which did a humorous dance routine before their sub-state series against Hartselle. The girls on Scottsboro's team made a circle, and then would start to sing, "Come on infield do it!" At that point, the team's infielders jumped into the circle and began to do a silly dance while the other girls continued to sing, "Do it! Do it! Do it!" The team then repeated the routine, with the outfielders, pitchers, fans and even the coaches (who don't often have a reputation for being so light-hearted). The dance obviously helped Scottsboro, which never looked overwhelmed by the fact they were considered the underdog.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to suggest that Hartselle was overly serious while Scottsboro was calm and relaxed. The Lady Tigers had their own share of bonding chants and cheers before and during Saturday's games as well.
It's a unique balance that has to be reached by every softball team who will be making the trip to Montgomery this week. Yes, you need to have focus and be serious, but you also need to have fun.
If Danville can keep that balance in mind, then the Lady Hawks' trip to Montgomery will be a success, no matter what the outcome.
