Just My Opinion - by Mary Kilen
First Tournament Of The Year
Just over a month into the school year and the first state tournament of the year is next week. The Blue Jay girls’ golf team is headed to state action starting on Monday, Sept. 30 in Fargo.
I spent some time at the region tournament in Stanley last week and I have a lot of respect for the girls from all the teams that were on the course. Tuesday dawned with wet fog and cool temperatures. That didn’t stop the girls from teeing off and giving it their best shot.
I talked to golfers, coaches and the volunteers that were tracking the scores in the morning. They were talking about wet grass and the way the balls were rolling or maybe not rolling would be a better description. It was cool and the air was heavy after the fog burned off. It was less than ideal conditions. Things improved in the afternoon as the sky cleared and the sun came out.
It has been interesting watching girls golf change from a spring to a fall sport over the past couple of years. Coaches and golfers agree that the change is one they welcomed. They have gotten away from the unpredictability of spring weather, never knowing if or when the snow will melt on a course, allowing for practices and meets. Talking to some of the golfers, they also said that they feel like they are more on their game in the fall having had the summer to golf.
Best of luck to the Blue Jays as they head to Fargo over the weekend and prepare for their tournament.
Meanwhile, the rest of the fall sports are about a month into their schedule. Cross country’s regions are just a couple weeks away. Stanley’s Prairie Rose golf Course will host that event on Saturday, Oct. 12 with their state tournament set for October 25 in Jamestown.
The football season is now into conference play with teams looking to secure a place in the playoffs.
The volleyball teams are working their way through the season as they start the postseason at the end of October.
The People That Matter
My sister-in-law shared this post on Facebook this week. I know I’ve seen it before, but seeing it again really made me think about what matters. Try this one yourself!
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip.
You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read it straight through, and you’ll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money ... or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.