FanSpeak 3/28/05

Way to go, Redhawks

I AM very proud of the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball program -- not team, but program. I have been a booster for many years. I must admit, I never miss a men's game. One day, I decided to see what all the talk was about, and I am glad I did. Those girls play hard. I really enjoyed the fast-paced, intense game. I, like many others, thought the women's game was boring. That was until I saw a game for myself. Since that game, I am loyal to our ladies. I won't miss a game. Great job, coach. I can't wait for another exciting season.

Maybe next year

I WAS disappointed the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team didn't make the Women's NIT. Those ladies worked hard. Coach B.J. Smith has done an excellent job. It's unfortunate that Southeast doesn't get the name recognition like some of the other schools. With our name change, this should change through marketing. Southeast's record was better than other schools in the WNIT, but the other schools had bigger names. I hope to see the same spirit in those girls again. I remember driving to work and seeing many of them running throughout the summer.

Where's the hall?

I AM perplexed and saddened that Central High School has apparently stopped nominating and inducting the many individuals worthy of entering its athletic hall of fame. I have tried to find out the reason or reasons for the sudden cessation of the celebration but can find no answers.

(The practice was discontinued while the high school moved into its new building, but Central athletic director Darrick Smith expects the recognition ceremonies to begin again in the near future.)

Bad Mac

SINCE THE Mark McGwire poll didn't have a space for comments, I will make mine here. Neither option offered suits my opinion. I thought he was on steroids the whole time he was in St. Louis and argued with friends about it constantly. I also think the press knew all about it the whole time. From the first home run he hit that season, it was reported as a foregone conclusion he would break the record that year. You don't go from average size to massive and back to average size in the span of a few years unless you are on something. And who does Sammy Sosa think he's kidding?

Support for Stein

I AM just not believing Oak Ridge is letting coach Robert Stein go. Stein is an awesome coach who truly cares about his players -- on and off the court. He has been such a wonderful role model for my son in every way possible. My son hurt himself playing a game, and coach Stein took the time to call and set up appointments for him. He called our house checking on him. How can we let someone like that -- an asset to our school staff who really cares about our children -- go? Look what he and his team has accomplished this year. Do we not want a role model? Do we not want an excellent coach who cares about our children on a personal level? Coach Stein, thank you for all you have done for our children. IOak Ridge's loss will be someone else's gain.

Thanks for writing

I WOULD like to thank you for writing about Chaffee track. We are one of the many small schools around here that get overlooked many times. I feel every school needs an article of fame every now and then. There are many things that kids do nowadays that get overlooked. Everyone always looks for the bad. I just wanted to say thanks from all of us about writing even just that little bit. It meant a tremendous amount to all of us at Chaffee High School.

Good hire

CONGRATULATIONS, CHAFFEE High School, for finally taking some credible action to rebuild the football program by hiring Charlie Vickery as the new head coach. I feel this is a super decision. I would just like to give a few words of encouragement to all potential Chaffee football players: Here's your chance to finally bring back some pride and respect to the football program as it was in late 1970s to mid-1980s. It may not be easy at first, but if you get behind coach Vickery, listen and put forth the effort and determination it takes to win, you will find out how great it feels to be a team other teams know they're going to be in for a dog fight when they play you. Believe me when I tell you that it's a lot more fun to dish out the hits than it is to take them, and it will make the practices you endure and playing the game much more exciting. So here's to what I hope will be a bright future for a football program that I know has the ability to become great again. Welcome, coach Vickery, it's good to see you on board.

A weather mystery

I'M HOPING you can explain this. I opened the sports page on Wednesday, and it was interesting to note that in the same town, Cape Girardeau, just blocks away from each other, on the previous day, the girls were able to play softball on their field but the boys weren't able to play baseball on their field because of the weather. How can that be in the same town on the same day with the same weather?