Aly Fisher just completed her first semester at Cabrini College
Inspirational Aly - Aly Fisher, a freshman home from Cabrini College on semester break, was at the Cape girls versus Smyrna home game Jan. 8. Aly is the No. 1 fan of the program and has been a courtside fixture the last four years. Eighteen years ago to the day, Cecily Fisher and her partner Loretta met Aly in China and brought her home to Sussex County.
Aly, who requires 24-hour care, just knocked down a 3.75 GPA first semester, in addition, one day a week she went off campus to mentor young children. Aly is a wheelchair user and I asked her what was up? In her own words: "I have a rare form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (There are many other types of muscular dystrophy; the most well-known is Duchenne). My muscles have gotten progressively weaker since I was diagnosed with MD in 2003. I could walk until I was 9, when I fell and broke my tibia, and since I couldn't bear weight on my leg, I lost the ability to walk. The muscular dystrophy affects all the muscles in my body, not just my legs. As you noticed, I can't bring my hand up to shake yours or give you a high five, so you have to bring your hand to mine, I'd be happy to shake! Because of all my needs, I have a 24-hour caregiver with me at school and they help me with everything, from getting dressed to brushing my teeth and even helping me with my meals.” Aly and her family are loved by all who know them. Incredibly inspirational people.
Beau knows bowling - “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Twelve-year-old Beau Smith of Rehoboth stood center lane and read the athlete's oath during the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics Delaware's bowling tournament held Jan. 9 at Brunswick Doverama. Beau and his partner, 10-year-old Terri Kirschner of Lewes went on to win gold in the Bumper Unified Doubles division. The son of Terry and Maureen Smith, Beau is a student at Rehoboth Elementary School. Terri is the daughter of Wes and Betsy Kirschner and attends Richard A. Shields Elementary School in Lewes. Both athletes roll with the Sussex Riptide team. In 2016, the popular event will draw more than 1,500 athletes statewide during area and school tournaments held January through March. In addition to the Dover location, competitions take place at Bowlerama in New Castle, Milford Bowl in Milford and Millsboro Lanes in Millsboro.
Credle is way cool - Left-handed gunslinger Melena Credle of Smyrna is a natural two guard who can run point and is also “stupid good” in the open court. Cape tried to slow her down Jan. 8 but the junior still led all scorers with 22 points along with dishing out a bevy of assists. “My greatest asset is my left hand, and my goal is to play at UConn or Baylor,” she said. I asked her to keep the hat on for the photo just because it was Smyrna colors and she looked so cool.
Snippets - Most college spring sports just began practice because they play games in February. Practice for spring sports in high school begins March 1. Most spring athletes I know are in full-blown preparation. Cape girls' swimming has now won 45 dual meets in a row, part of the golden era of girls' sports at Cape. Low-character athletes are most likely to go rogue in close games. The more at stake, the more high-risk their behaviors, just ask Bengals coach Marvin Lewis to explain it. Diaz Nardo (Cape), a right-handed hitting third baseman, is a redshirt sophomore at Delaware. Last season “The Wizard of Oz” was named to the freshman All-American team; he hit five home runs, had 52 hits and led the team with 35 RBIs. A 6-foot-2, 240-pound third baseman with great hands who can hit for power, I expect Diaz to be drafted at the end of this season, but I don’t know if he’ll sign, depends on how Dino’s Sundew painting business is going. Tiara Duffy (Cape) is a sophomore softball player at the University of South Carolina. Be a good athlete and make good decisions sounds like simple advice, so why do so many people get jammed up? A question to ponder. Go on now, git!
