Have fun ( show respect)

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

Greeting Sports Fans! It was another great week in local sports, highlighted by the SWCL cross-country meet at Memorial Beach in Webster last Thursday.

Before we get to the fun stuff —and that’s what this column is really about, having fun— consider this. Too many people take sports too seriously; the bottom line is that sports are supposed to be fun, especially when kids are involved..

There are two things that are really bugging me that need to addressed, so I will attempt to do so in the kindest way possible.

I have no other way to sugarcoat my observation that some really rude people were at the Bartlett-Leicester game— some even involved in the game in one way or another.  From the greeting that you receive when you enter the field to the hometown announcer, some folks seem to forget this is high school sports.

The hometown announcer was basically cheering for the hometown team while announcing the game, and he was absolutely obnoxious, probably the most obnoxious announcer I have ever heard at a high school football game. It was a little uncomfortable. They might as well let one of their cheerleaders announce the game if it’s going to be that one-sided.

To make matters even worse, there was a very huge man who decided that he needed to cheer very loudly for Leicester behind the Bartlett bench and smoke cigarettes while he was doing it. Hello? This was a high school, a place where smoking is not allowed. I wanted to say something to him but I feared for my life. Eventually the authorities did show up and the guy got booted, but it was not soon enough.

My second gripe this week is with the MIAA, and this is a topic that I will be elaborating on with a full story in the future.  It is time for the MIAA to stop scheduling games between Shepherd Hill and both Bartlett and Oxford. These schools are not equal in numbers and size; they haven’t been for a while.

I think if you polled the people, even Shepherd Hill coaches would agree. 

Do I think Bartlett and Oxford could beat Shepherd Hill in boys’ basketball this year? Yes I actually do, but that might be the only exception and maybe that might be the one sport in which they could still play each other.  As far as football, soccer, and track go, I am not so sure.

Shepherd Hill is playing Oxford in football this Friday and it’s probably the most lopsided contest in Central Mass.  Honestly I feel for both teams. What kind of thrill can Shepherd Hill players and coaches get out of beating a team that they significantly outmatch and what about the Pirates, they are going out there to play, no doubt about that, And they will probably play their hearts out, but seriously what are the odds that they can win? 
 

All fingers point to MIAA and its time they make some changes. They have to, because it is not much fun watching obvious mismatches between schools that are not even close in size.  

The View’s Top 5 performers of the week:

1. Stella Worters, Shepherd Hill Girls Cross Country:  Stella Worters has had an outstanding fall and it’s only going to get better once track starts.

2. Drew Ravenelle, Shepherd Hill Football:  It was only a matter of time before Drew Ravenelle starting throwing the ball more. This week he even threw a couple of touchdown passes.

3. Shepherd Hill girls soccer team: The Rams finished 13-2-3 and are looking to go deep into the playoffs.

4. Brian Tondel, Bartlett boy’s soccer: Sophomore goalie Brian Tondel has been quietly having an excellent season in goal.

5. Rachel Connor, Bartlett Cross Country:  Rachel Connor is only a seventh grader and already is Bartlett’s top runner. This girl could really be something.
 

“The Sweet Assassin”:  It looks like Emily Dawidczyk is going to win the Central Mass girls soccer scoring title which is an incredible accomplishment even for “The Sweet Assassin.”  With the soccer season over, one has to wonder when Emily will be making her decision about schools.  There are lots of rumors circulating, and we will let you know as soon as we know.

Photo of the Week: Oxford girls soccer co-captain Gina Manzi gets physical against Millbury.

Until next week, see you on the sidelines! Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any sports news and check out the new View From The Sidelines Facebook page with exclusive photos and news at https://www.facebook.com/ViewFromTheSidelines