Archive - Jun 18, 2008

By MICKEY ALVARADO

On a great swing and a prayer, Tecumseh High School's varsity softball team picked up the school's first ever back-to-back state championship in Battle Creek last Saturday, June 14, with the Indian girls defeating three-time Division 2 state champions Wyoming Rogers 4-3 in extra innings.

With two outs and two runners on in the bottom of the seventh and supposedly final inning of the nail biting final, senior catcher Stayci Cook said a prayer when stepping up to the plate in what may have been the Indians' final at bat of the season. It wasn't. Cook did the impossible, hitting a double and scoring two runs to tie the game 3-3 and keep Tecumseh's dream of defending its title alive and kicking.

“She absolutely crushed that ball,” said Smith. “She's been seeing it good all weekend. Without her at bat we wouldn't have even gotten into the eighth or ninth inning.”

Senior Chelsea Gonzalez began the biggest comeback in the school's history with a walk in the bottom of the seventh inning. The sharp eye of the Golden Hawks' pitcher Kelsea Bandstra struck out freshman Melissa Felkey to follow but senior Jackie Barley stepped up and singled to put two runners on for Tecumseh. A pop out by senior Nikki Hughes gave the Indians two outs and little in the way of hope, until Cook hit her dramatic two run double and forced an extra inning. Tecumseh senior Bailey Brooks hit an infield grounder that beat her to first base to end the scoring frenzy.

Tecumseh sophomore pitcher Catie Kaliszuk received help from her infield to set down the Golden Hawks in the eighth inning. After recording two outs on grounders Kaliszuk gave up a double, giving Wyoming Rogers the potential to score a run, but once again the infield came through and closed out the inning with a tag out at second.

By DEB WUETHRICH

“I've got a job, but it's a stressful job,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. following a practice run at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) last Friday. “But I like that. I'm competitive.”
Earnhardt, one of the sports' most popular drivers, broke a 76-race dry spell when he won the LifeLock 400 on Sunday, but that competitive spirit really came into play after a day full of just being consistent to being in a position to win. At MIS, it's often all about fuel mileage and strategy and this week's race was no exception. Jimmie Johnson, Brian Vickers and Matt Kenseth had fast cars all day and took turns in the lead.

A caution on Lap 146 for a spin by Bobby Labonte changed pit strategies as some of the leaders came in for fuel and tires. Subsequent cautions changed things again, and at one point, Earnhardt and Crew Chief Tony Eury Jr. weren't sure the team could make it without another fuel stop. In fact, they believed they were about six laps short. But NASCAR is a sport known for its risk-takers, and the team began to apply fuel-saving strategies on the track. Earnhardt took the lead on Lap 194, but then had to race Jamie McMurray, who also was working to save fuel.

When Sam Hornish Jr. spun out on Lap 198, bringing on a green-white-checkered finish, Earnhardt began driving down on the apron to shorten the caution laps and save fuel. By then, the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge of Kasey Kahne was hot on his heels. Earnhardt also gambled with turning the motor off, coasting and then refiring the engine for part of the way. At one point, his car surged a little ahead of the pace car, bringing a warning from NASCAR not to do that again.

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH of Tecumseh would like to invite children, kindergarten through sixth grade, to the upcoming daily Vacation Bible School from Sunday, June 22 through Thursday, June 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Student registration will begin at 6:15 p.m.

ransportation will be offered to all who are need of a ride.  For more information call 266-2858.

P.I.C.K A PARTNER (for singles) — Learn new skills for relationships.  The 10 hour program is completed within in two five hour sessions to be held Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m..  For more information or to pre-register for the June 30 free class, call Marriages That Work at 266-8525 or email: family.matters@verizon.net.

COMMUNICATION CLASS — Learn communication skills to keep a relationship strong for couples.  The free 12 hour program will meet five Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning July 1.  For more information or to pre-register call Marriages That Work at 266-8525 or email: family.matters@verizon.net.