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Column: Three cheers for the uncelebrated team in local sports

By Dan Kontos

Local sports are fun, especially youth sports. It’s fun to watch the kids compete, learn, and have fun themselves. Who doesn’t like fun?

I again had the occasion to attend a junior high girls basketball game in Stevens Point not too long ago. Many of these kids were learning hoops from scratch, and their skills were all over the spectrum. Believe me when I say that Michael Jordan was not playing that afternoon. 

They ran up and down the court, with discernable scowls from concentration, and frequent smiles when something went right. They hustled, supported each other, and visibly improved as they played. No doubt, they were having fun.

The crowd was into it too, cheering the girls on. The Superintendent and other members of the School District were there, and for a few moments, it seemed that life was returning to a bit of normalcy and sanity. Like I said, it was fun.

Watching this game, as I have done before, I had occasion to notice an uncelebrated team. No, it wasn’t the Chargers or the Patriots, but the zebras. I am, of course, referring to the officials. The referees who were administering the game.

We see them in every sporting event, from youth football to professional sports. Most people usually don’t pay too much attention to them until there is an adverse call—defined as a call that goes against your team. Then they are bums, and ruined the match. Otherwise, they are just in the background, as they should be.

Having been involved in sports officiating since 1983, I tend to notice and watch the men and women in stripes, blue, or whatever uniform they wear. Like the other groups on the field or court that day, they are a team unto themselves.

I watched the two gentlemen sporting their black and white shirts with interest. They were professional, matter-of-fact, fair, and attentive. They represented their team well.

They were spending their time, away from their families, for the love of the game. Trust me when I tell you they will never get rich officiating junior high basketball.

Undoubtedly, they knew their sport and didn’t miss a beat. Not a comment about them was heard from the crowd, which tells you that they are doing their job well. 

Even when one girl allowed her frustration to get the better of her, and she struck an opponent, the officials were quick to act, remedy the situation, and move on with the game. It could have been ugly. You don’t see too many ejections in junior high games, thankfully.

What really struck me was, like I have observed at other matches, the referees understood the novel nature of this sport for these girls. Without showing partiality or favoritism, the officials quietly encouraged good play, by occasionally and quietly rewarding the extra effort with phrases like, “good hustle,” and “nice job.” You would expect the coaches and fans to yell things like that, and they did, however, it carries a little extra meaning when you hear it from a ref.

I watched as they would quickly explain the rule behind a call to the girls, all without taking away from the tempo of the game. It may have only been a seventh- and eighth-grade basketball game, but these guys were professionals nonetheless.

With a world that seems to be at times on the precipice of falling into the black hole of utter lunacy and chaos, I appreciate finding examples of normalcy and goodness in our community. I thought that these two guys on the zebra team deserved a shout-out. Well done gentlemen.

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, the good and the bad, boldly, unafraid, and with a healthy respect and appreciation for each other. Until then, God bless.

Dan Kontos is a paid columnist for the Metro Wire. He chooses his own topics and his opinions do not necessarily represent the staff of the Metro Wire. He lives with his family in Whiting. 

We are seeking a liberal columnist. Anyone with interest should email [email protected].