The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-02-27
Tears and Smiles
At Cage Journeys

The high school basketball tournament-one of
the biggest sports events of the year-creates tren-
zied excitement. Each win brings a quintet one step
closer to the summit-thes state crown. A loss Tor two
losses in le-elimination events) ends it all.
Among the interesting sideIights of the tovrna-
menf are the emotions which are displayed by vari-
Gus individuals, during and after each game. Looking
ut those during the game first:
PARTICIPATING PLAYERS-realizing the final
ity of a loss, they struggle furiously to capture an
honorable victory. Winning players are encouraged
but fearful of rallies; losing players battle loosely to
RESERVE PLAYERs-sit on the very edge of the
bench, wringing their hands. Occasionally they'll
Jump UP and shout when a key play occurs. Always
they are ready to spring into action at the beckon OF
their coach.
coAcH-of winning team is apprehensive be-
cause the lead may be lost; coach of losing team yells
encouragement to his team. Both coaches are fire.
CHEERLEADERs-ive and die with their re-
spective teams. They plead with the players and they
use all of their energies to invoke %deafening cheers
INTERESTED A yells himself hoarse; he
shouts encouragement to the players, and he cajoles
the referees if he ~disagrees with a decision:
DISINTERESTED FAN - laudS all skilful plays;
he may side with the underdog team because an up
set always is something to talk about and applaud.
He notices a cute girl two rows ahead of him.
FACULTY ENTHUSIASTICALLY they show re-
served interest. Inwardly they are hopeful their team
will win.
Participating players-winners are elafed but
are quick to congratulate the losers. They shout and
pat each other and move TO the dressing rooms with
arms about each other. Losers are quiet and subdued;
they accept congratulations silently and with NUT
tsrs Of thanks; they are sad.
Reserve -players-winners leap from the bench
and surround their participating members, pounding
them on the back and hugging them. Losers walk
slowly from the bench with heads down; they try to
console their participating teammates
Coaches-winning coach is relieved and happy.
He rushes across the floor to congratulate the losing
coach and then hurries to the dressing room with his
PLAYERS. Losing coach slowly makes his way to the
winning coach to accept the congratulatory hand
shake; with resignation, he follows his saddened play
ers to the dressing room where he seeks to cheer
them although he himself has a heavy heart.
Cheerleaders-of the winning team are joyful;
they look upon their heroic players with great admira-
ton; then in typical feminine fashion, they try to de-
eide where to 60 for something to eat. Cheerleaders
of losing team are shocked and detected; some may
be holding back tears while others may be cry
ing unashamedly.
Interested fan-if he is a follower of the winning
team, he breathes a sigh of relief and then discusses
with his companions the high points of the game and
chances of the team of winning the title. Fans from
the losing team shuttle out of the gym quietly. They
are sad but still proud of the performance of the
team. Some may complain about the officiating.
Others discuss crucial plays.
Disinteresfed fan-discUsses with his friends
whether he thought fhe game was a good one and
then comments on various stars, plays and maybe the
officiating. He may also comment on The cute girl
who sat two rows ahead Of him.
Faculty members-if their team won, they break
out In smiles; if their team lost, they may discuss the
game but are apt to show no emotion.
:. Basketball tournaments-aah, there's nothing
like them -IVE