The two biggest athletic victories this academic year for Wayland, and I had the misfortune, or rather lack of foresight, to miss ’em both.
Yes, I confess to my non-presence at the Wildcats’ huge overtime upset of Grand Rapids Christian. I confess that beforehand I didn’t give the local boys much of a chance against a hoops powerhouse that was undefeated in league play and had lost only to a Grand Rapids Catholic Central team that last month manhandled Wayland.
I confess to being an old fiddle faddle who tries to avoid such things as homecoming and snowcoming kings and queens and dukes and duchesses.
Besides, two years ago, when the Wildcats featured the likes of Avery Hudson and Zack Nieuwkoop, Christian really took the green and white to the woodshed twice. So, I muttered, “Er, we’ve got no chance.”
Oh, ye of little faith. I should know better than to underestimate a Mike Hudson-coached basketball team.
I felt even worse when I chanced on Terry Ellis’ video of the festivities, including the thrilling three put up by Carson Sevigny, but then waived off. Also featured was the last play in regulation, when Cory Ainsworth’s layup attempt caused an Eagle defender to be whistled for goal tending.
Ainsworth certainly spent a lot of time at the free throw line in the ballgame, which contributed to GR Christian’s downfall.
Rewind to last fall, when I chose to go to Hopkins’ game rather than Wayland’s against South Christian. The Wildcats came up with the biggest victory of their season. Though part of it could be explained by the Sailors missing star quarterback Luke Schrotenboer, but the ‘Cats played inspired football.
Luckily, wife, a sports fan, went to the South game in my stead and admonished me for missing it. She took excellent notes to permit me to do a writeup. Unfortunately, she didn’t go to the basketball game against GR Christian because the University of Michigan was playing on TV.
Presley Hudson’s CMU record surprises no one
One a lighter note: Congratulations are in order for Presley Hudson, Central Michigan University’s all-time career leading scorer. She also owns the career record at CMU for three-point field goals and assists.
I’ve been watching her for seven years now, and I can state unequivocally that she is the finest female player I’ve ever seen. It has been pure joy to watch her play, particularly when she makes threes from deep downtown.
