The more things change, the more they stay the same.
It's high school state tournament season in the Gem State, which means hard-fought games and frequent excellence in competition. It also brings terrible displays of temper and bad sportsmanship by fans, parents and players alike.
Two young and observant Idaho sportswriters have been moved to write pointed columns about bad sportsmanship in the past two weeks after personally covering games.
Heather Mangan of Pocatello's Idaho State Journal, took a perennial powerhouse southeast Idaho volleyball program to task for its post-season tournament sportsmanship.
Another, Zach Kyle of Burley's South Idaho Press, wrote a "Fourth and Long" column after the State 4A soccer tournament in Pocatello Oct. 18-20 and said this as an opener:
"As a high school athlete, I grew tired of the inevitable sportsmanship lectures delivered by coaches and administrators every season. However after watching the final day of the 4A state boys' soccer tournament, I better understand why those dull, repetitive speeches are so important."
Kyle went on to lambaste the behavior shown in the Skyview-Bonneville championship match while complimenting the Burley and Jerome boys' teams, and Wood River girls' soccer team, who posed joyously together for a photograph after the Friday games.
Hearing those recent examples, it is refreshing to also hear about instances of good sportsmanship—like those of the Wood River High School volleyball team and fans. They were recognized Saturday with a special award at the State 4A tournament in Coeur d'Alene.
Wood River won only one of its three matches at Lake City High School, but the Hailey team claimed the coveted State 4A Sportsmanship Trophy. Coach Tim Richards was extremely proud. "It was a great compliment for a bunch of classy girls," he said.
The tournament committee selected Wood River because of its enthusiasm and supportive behavior, Richards said. Officials singled out one particular Wolverine player who didn't play much, senior Katie Pruett, for her constant shows of encouragement to her teammates.
"We didn't have one star on our team. We had good players who just enjoyed being together," he added.
Wood River (20-13-2 overall) earned its eighth consecutive 20-win campaign with a 25-18, 25-17, 19-25, 25-13 victory over the Middleton Vikings Friday night in the loser bracket of the eight-team double elimination tournament. "It was one of our better defensive efforts. We dug a lot of balls," Richards said.
Fighting hard to the end, the Wolverines exited Saturday with a 25-9, 25-27, 20-25, 25-20, 15-8 loss to Rigby. It was a good Wood River effort against a tall and effective Rigby net attack.
Richards said, "Rigby just hammered and pounded balls at us. We lost badly in the first game, but came back and won the next two and were leading 16-12 in the fourth. I guess we should have closed it out. (Assistant coach) Gary Carr commented that we let them off the hook. But it's such a small difference between the teams when you finally get to state."
Rigby enjoyed some success.
In Friday's first round Rigby went to five games to upset Sandpoint, winner of four State 4A tournament titles in seven years and 13 Idaho volleyball titles. Sandpoint then stayed alive with wins over Emmett, Skyview, Rigby and third-place Century of Pocatello.
Richards said Sandpoint's 25-21, 25-27, 26-24, 19-25, 24-22 elimination win over Century was one of the most exciting high school volleyball matches he has ever seen. "The fifth game went on forever," he said.
Second-ranked Bonneville of Idaho Falls (39-4) turned the tables on last year's State 4A champ Sandpoint (26-4) and beat Sandpoint 25-20, 18-25, 25-7, 25-20 in Saturday's 4A title match. Bonneville, 2001 and 2004 state winner, had lost to Sandpoint in last year's final.
One of the nicest surprises of Wood River's 21st state tournament visit was the strong play of sophomore outside hitter Grace Lagodich, brought up from the junior varsity for the post season. While praising his senior leaders, Richards has high hopes for future teams.
Co-captains Hannah Ward and Hannah Gove were chosen on the Northwest squad for Tuesday's Fourth District All-Star game at Twin Falls High School. So were seniors Amaya Ingram and Khrystyne Inman of The Community School.
Elsewhere in state action, unbeaten Hagerman (28-0) became the only Fourth District winner with a four-game State 1A triumph over Genesee (34-5) at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. It was Hagerman's first title since 1981.
In just three games the Eagle Mustangs (33-2) captured their second straight State 5A championship over 2003-05 winner Idaho Falls, at Post Falls High School. Sugar-Salem of Sugar City made it two in a row and three State 3A titles in five years, in five tough games over St. Maries at Coeur d'Alene High School gym.
Also undefeated, the Challis Vikings (20-0) swept Malad in three games for their first-ever State 2A title, at Lewiston High School gym.
Proudly displaying their State 4A Sportsmanship Trophy are Wood River High School volleyball team members. Front, from left, Angela Coleman, co-captain Hannah Ward, Kaylee Baker, assistant coach Kelsea Ballantyne and head coach Tim Richards. Middle, from left, Grace Lagodich, Lauren Morgenthaler, McKenna Murphy, Haleigh Hall and Kylie Anderson. Back, from left, Ellen Johnson, Carly Ballantyne, co-captain Hannah Gove, Dani Stone, Monica Garceau, Katie Pruett and Hanna Gustafson. Check next week?s Local Life for a photo of the girls with their parents at Coeur d?Alene.Courtesy photo by Kathy Pruett
