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Connections to the past and each other are the best of sports

November 11, 2016

One for gramps, man - Ben Bamforth won the Henlopen Conference cross country title 32 years to the day, Nov. 5, that his dad Tim won the title in 1984. Ben ran 16:27 for 5K, going through the mile in 4:47. Tim's winning time in 1984 was 16:49. Both of Tim’s sons Jake and Ben have the same arm carry. A freaky genetic DNA.com coincidence? I’ve seen it with kids who move like parents and siblings who walk like each other. Son and grandson of John, the former Burger Nazi at Fisherman’s Wharf. “No. 5! What are you deaf?!”

Absent Dads - I know dads of athletes who are currently playing sports from youth level through high school, and I’m always amazed when they don’t show up to watch their progeny compete. What can a dad be doing that he doesn’t support his own kid doing good things on the field of play? Mostly it’s what he’s doing when they are not playing, which is nothing, so I guess it’s easier just to stay away and keep the expired man card inside the empty billfold. True, that was harsh, but I see the hurt behind the eyes of the kids so it makes me upset. 

Listen doggie - I was traveling Wednesday ducking talk of election results and listening to the Mad Dog sports channel on Sirius radio. Chris Russo -a.k.a. “Doggie” took a call from his friend David Gregory, former host of Meet the Press, and they started talking about election results. I withstood all that I could then went to “The Loft” because I’m an alternative music kind of guy. I got home and on ESPN 2 prior to an NBA game there was Michelle Beadle, Jalen Rose and Chauncey Billups talking about election results. Like weight watchers on Monday night everyone was weighing in. Personally when I am befuddled I duck, maybe I’ll go to the home improvement channel.

Coach Robin - Tower Hill field hockey coach Robin Adair’s history rolls through Cape, where she was a player for Sue Myers, and Salisbury University, where she was an All-American and member of national championship team along with Donna Peck of Cape. Robin has won 10 state titles as the Hillers coach and she has lost a few championship games. The history of Delaware field hockey should have her picture on the cover. I have been friends with Robin for 35 years. Other longtime Capeside friends are coaches Ruth Skoglund, Carolyn Ivans and Debbie Windett. A year after Tower was supposed to have their best team, they have a younger and better one. Robin’s teams are efficient, always in correct position, and they will carve you up by making the extra pass. Cape at Tower is set for this Saturday at noon in an insane quarterfinal matchup. Win or lose, I will look for my coach friend after the game. She will be reserved, hands in pockets, backing away from reporters. I just want to say “good job,” like always. I hope Cape wins, but I have a big space in my heart for the Hillers if it goes the other way.

Friday Night Lights - It was baseball coach GL Jefferson who told me, “everyone we play is our rival,” and that’s because Sussex Tech has players from all around Sussex County. This Friday night in a rare 6 p.m. game, Cape (6-3) will host the Ravens (5-4) in what looks like a pretty even matchup. Each team would love to close out the season with a big win. Playoffs? Playoffs? Friday night is a playoff – packed house, great bands and it will be over early. To answer your question, 645-4900 is the number for Grotto Grand Slam.

Snippets - The journey of young athletes who have signed a letter of intent or verbally committed early to a college should be prepared for it to be tough and to receive less to little counseling if things don’t always go your way because most assuredly they will not. There is nothing more exhilarating than being on a college team with new friends and during the day you get to be a student. It’s just the greatest time in life if you play it right. The blend of being a great teammate and rugged individualist is what you need - it prepares you for being a parent. Cross country state championships are Saturday at Brandywine Creek State Park. A seriously hilly course and a challenge for downstate flatlanders, but young runners on any given day can surprise themselves. Cape’s Lance White was state champ there in 1977 with no hill training going in. Go on now, git!

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