We start 2022 with a good cross-section from our readers – on should we play sports during Covid, high school basketball officiating, bowling coverage, and our recent list of Festivus grievances. Read and enjoy!
We hear from those who in the face uncertainty over Covid, ask the $64,000 question about whether we should play sports during a pandemic. The question is…wouldn’t it be more expensive if we didn’t!
“First-time writer to your site, but I’ve read it regularly for the past two years. Very fine content and photography. I enjoy Press Pros.
However, I’m writing out of concern over what sounds like your personal priority for playing sports at all costs, putting that ahead of the priority that we all face in defeating the Covid virus. You obviously believe that the games must go on, regardless of the consequences, while two million people have died and still no end in sight. I’m disappointed that the Press Pros platform hasn’t taken a more responsible stand, perhaps to promote to your readership that we all can benefit by not playing for a short time so that we all might live and enjoy good health when this is over. It’s obvious we could all do more when there are so many tools available with which to fight this virus – vaccines, boosters, masks and patience. Do we really have any alternative but to believe in the leadership of science and common sense? You could do a better job in promoting that message.” … James Stachler
(Ed. Note…First, James, appreciation for the kind words about the work. But second, Press Pros is not a platform, nor will it pretend to be. We just report on sports. Do we believe that the games should go on? Sure, but that’s a reflection of the communities we serve, and if our coverage gives them confidence and a sense of life-goes-on despite the virus, so be it. A third point I’ll raise is your using of the term, “for a short time”. How short a time? And do you really trust that someone is going to tell us when it’s OK to come back out and play? People are fed up with the conflicting reports from government and departments of health. If anything makes them sicker than Covid, it’s Fauci. You must remember that these kids have one shot – just one – to be a high school athlete. And you, and DeWine, and Biden, and the CDC cannot give that back to them once it’s gone. As far as science, the science of natural immunity has been with us since creation. Tools? The fact is that vaccinated and boosted people are still getting sick and spreading it. So really, who do you want those athletes to believe? You have the freedom to do what you want, so why not let others have the same. You don’t have to go to the games. Just read about them on Press Pros.)
Our January 6 column about officials and robots coming to take their place drew some response from both sides of the issue:
Good no call?
“Thank you for speaking up about the inconsistencies with officiating in basketball. As it happens, I was at that Dayton game with VCU and you reported it accurately. If officials say they don’t want to determine the outcome of the game, how can they argue that they don’t determine the outcome when they don’t make a call? First time writer, long time reader of Hal McCoy on Press Pros.” … Dave Smitmeyer
“I cannot agree more about officiating. It used to be black and white. A foul was a foul. But like everything else in America it’s now subject to interpretation and concern over popularity. When two bodies collide that’s a pretty good sign of advantage/disadvantage, as you wrote. Wouldn’t you say?” … Larry Tangeman
“I read in your bio that you’re a former official, and you say you’ve worked high school basketball games in the past. So why throw stones? To err is human, and you make plenty of them on the pages of Press Pros. Don’t fan the flames.” … Chuck Dankworth
(Ed Note: Getting a stat wrong has nothing to do with the outcome of a basketball game. It’s totally different when you don’t blow the whistle. And no one understands when officials argue that one has as much physical right to block as the other has to score. That has lots to do with the outcome. I’ve asked before, and that was the answer I got. They never mentioned human error.)
Our Press Pros bowling coverage has gotten some appreciative audience:
“It’s classy that you cover bowling. There’s nothing like that where I live (Toledo area). I especially enjoyed your story on January 5 about Nick Alig, who plays football, basketball, baseball, and bowls at New Bremen High School. Thanks for writing about a talented and versatile high school athlete without making it a story about recruiting.” … Gregory Waldo
“Congratulations Nick, from the mother of a child who is in bowling, track and field, football, concert, jazz, pep and marching band, the Robotics team, Buckeye boys state alumni, while enrolled in CC+. While these students need a ton of recognition for their dedication and hard work, let’s not forget the parents and family behind them.” … Tana Francis (Via Facebook)
Finally, this in support of Festivus as a holiday, and a couple of the grievances we mentioned:
“I laughed at Mercedes Benz being the new Chevrolet in America. And if I’m not driving one am I a victim?” … James Haney
“Here’s another feel-good slogan: My grandmother liked to say, ‘You can’t be a beacon if your light don’t shine.’ Your thoughts?” … Kent Wisner (Via Facebook)
(Ed. Note: Donna Fargo might have ripped off your grandmother when she recorded it in 1974. Call now. You may be entitled to significant compensation.)
