Yesterday was “Throwback Thursday” and I spent a majority of
the day prepping for our end-of-season softball banquet. As I was going about my things, I was
thinking of a viral video that I actually cared about or even remembered taking
the time to watch. The viral video I
chose isn’t the type that received millions and millions of views. Instead, it is one that is known within the
softball community. The incident occurred
six years ago and I can still remember being a junior in high school when the
event occurred.
In a conference championship game between Western Oregon and
Central Washington, Sara Tucholsky hit her first career homerun. As she was running around first, she missed
the bag. Knowing she had to return and
touch the bag, she turned around but her knee did not. She fell back to first in agonizing pain
knowing she had just blown out her knee.
Her coaches or players were not allowed to touch her otherwise she would
be called “Out.” Her coach could have
put in a pinch runner, but that would only go down in the book as a two-run
single. At that moment, Mallory Hooltman
from Central Washington who had hit many homeruns in her career asked the homeplate
umpire if she and one of her teammates could carry Sara around the bases. With permission, Sara was carried around the
bases by the opposing team who lowered her left foot down to the bag so she
could “Touch them all.”
This viral video is unique in that it showcases true
sportsmanship and character. Many viral
videos are full of nothing. Being stupid
is usually what makes a lot of viral videos appealing and captivating. While some viral videos capture amazing human
capabilities. Not many viral videos take
the time to showcase good happening in our society. In a world where more negative is talked and
written about, this video shines through demonstrating that good is still being
done.
As a former player and now coach, I have never seen
something so moving occur before.
Athletes injure themselves every day.
The injuries are usually outweighed by the benefits such as teams winning
championships, players breaking records, and communities coming together. But these benefits fade with time. The true benefits are showcased in moments
like these where the benefits are woven into who the young athlete is. Benefits that make a athlete a player of
character who can take the benefits and contribute good into society. As a coach, I incorporate and stress teamwork
and positivity in everything that happens.
When both are working together, good things and good players come out of
it.
Thanks for sharing this video, Ashton! I love the inspirational videos and this is definitely a great demonstration of sportsmanship and selflessness. It reminds me of the viral video "The Race" about the U of Minnesota 800 meter runner who trips with 200 meters left, gets up and keeps running at about 30m behind, and ends up winning the race. Also a great video for a little motivation!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
That was certainly a memorable moment. I interned in that conference's office last year and there is a big framed picture of this moment displayed at the front desk. The same image of the two players carrying the injured player is also still on the front page of the conference's website, gnacsports.com. This event brought a lot of publicity to Central Washington University, Western Oregon University and the NCAA Division II as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI mentioned something in my blog about videos go viral because they are funny or inspirational. I find myself more times than not watching videos like this, because they made you feel good. Videos that I always watch are ones when a parent is coming home from active duty and they surprise their children. It gets me every time! Videos like this have such a positive impact on coaches and players. For younger players beginning to play sports, videos like these show them that you can become "famous" for doing the right thing. The fact that this was a conference championship game added to the awesomeness (is that a word?), because they players could have easily chosen to not carry her around the bases and have a better chance of winning.
ReplyDeleteInspiration is huge today and seeing what the power of the human mind can do through adversity or what people do for other people in the game, pure selflessness. I love this video and love inspiration. It hits home for me as I have gone through a lot of adversity in my life, as many people have, we all fight our own battles no bigger or smaller than the other. That is just a perception of the human mind. Thank you for sharing!
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