My take on the SCHSL State Championships May 16-17 at Eugene E. Stone, III Stadium on the campus of the University of South Carolina.
POSITIVES
***Great weather! Could not ask for better May soccer weather for the state finals. To heck with anyone that wants to move the sport back to the Winter!
***I thought that the crowds from Woodruff girls (I guess they left one policeman back to watch the whole town); Mauldin girls (the cone-bearing fans and the Mavericks busing in the football players was a great touch); the 1A boys match was as well-attended as ever; the Chapin boys fans were tremendous; and the Northwestern/Spring Valley 4A championship game was everything that a high school soccer game should be -- emotional fans, superb play and effort -- the Northwestern fans (especially the recent Alumni) deserve certain mention for creating the best chants, songs, and support in all of prep soccer. Truly, a magical atmosphere, that they create!
***Thanks again to the SCHSSCA Coaches that see it as part of their professional duty to support our SCHSL State Championship games and the fact that this weekend serves as a major fundraiser for our all-star games.
***Thanks to USC for their upkeep of the pitch for the weekend. After Friday's matches, the groundscrew was busy at work on Friday AM getting the field cut and divots replaced. Top notch! Also, great to have a soccer specific scoreboard on hand as well! Really adds to the soccer atmosphere!
***Kudos to USC Asst. Men's Coach Bert Molinary for his assistance in facilitating the event, particularly with fellow college and prep coaches.
***Thanks to Kelly Lewis, Matt, Shawn Burke, and the rest of the USC athletic staff that made it possible for the SCHSL State Championships to be played at Stone Stadium.
***Perhaps the biggest positive of all is Public Address Announcer David Easley who performed yeoman's work in the press box for 5.5 of the 7 matches. This is a tough job and his professional presence is truly felt. His work at USC baseball, softball, men's and women's soccer games, as well as the Palmetto Cup shines through! Thanks Dave!!!
NEGATIVES
***The drunk kid from Spring Valley that was carrying the Irish flag that was dismissed not once, but twice from Stone Stadium after two incidents only to return and start a row with a Northwestern fan right in front of me, only to have him escorted out of the stadium for a third time. His poor judgement resulted in him spending a night in the Richland County Detention Center per USC P.D. Sorry that this happened, but he simply pushed the limits.
***The lack of coaches that showed up to support the SCHSL State Championships in the way of canteen workers, gate workers, etc. It continually amazes me how coaches can walk by the concession stand and see folks "slaving" and not offer to assist. On top of that, WE all would be coaching our teams if playing in the finals, so what's with not showing up to assist in staging the championships. I've heard all the excuses, but the proof is in the pudding -- you simply have to pull your weight!
***Ticket-takers -- this is handled solely by the SCHSL, but I realize that the process is way too slow. This is something that we will address for the future with the SCHSL.
If you have any other "pat on the backs" or "shake your fingers" let us know!
