PREPS
PREPS
Akron teamwas better
Fanfare:
I was taken last week by the letter written to Fanfare in regards to the Akron SVSM-Springfield tournament game at YSU's Beeghly Center. This person is either unaware of basketball tendencies, or just does not want to see the facts for what they were.
Addressing the officiation standpoint, anyone who was watching the game noticed, which most did, that Akron dictated the pace of the game and played great defense. Numerous times, Springfield came down the court, only to routinely pass the ball outside the three-point line.
And when a shot was forced up, it either banked in by the grace of the Lord or was badly missed. Being aggressive only shows the officials that you're ready to play, and not in need of their help.
Springfield and their fans may be upset, because even with the officials' help, they may have still lost by 10 points.
The other point is looking at competition. Not taking anything away from a 20-0 record, but Springfield did not see one team this year like SVSM. Akron plays more of a national schedule, and being aggressive (not passive) is the style of big-time schools.
Springfield and their fans need to reflect on their great season, and realize the Tigers just lost to a superior team.
Paul Hornung
Youngstown
WEATHER
Trainers qualifiedto handle emergencies
Fanfare:
I would first like to compliment Rob Todor on his very timely article "Be aware of weather dangers." I found it very informative and particularly appreciated his personal thought at the end of the article encouraging the practice of good sportsmanship.
There are a few points I would like to add. The first is an addition to the suggestion "Identify medically trained persons ... such as doctors, nurses and paramedics." These are all viable persons on which to count. However, let us not forget, particularly at the high school and college level, the importance of the certified athletic trainer.
Athletic trainers should certainly be considered when identifying medically trained personnel at sporting events.
Athletic trainers are often the only medically-trained individuals to be present at outdoor practices and games, and are frequently called upon to make the decision on the behalf of the athletes' safety in instances of dangerous or potentially dangerous weather situations.
However, for competition, the decision to suspend a game or event should be discussed beforehand with the officiating crew.
The second point I want to share is the use of the flash-to-bang method to determine the proximity of a storm. The method begins at the sight of a lightning flash and involves the counting of seconds until associated sound of thunder. The count is then divided by five to calculate the approximate distance of the lightning storm in miles.
It should be noted, though, that lightning has struck as far away as 10 miles from the storm center. Here's a rhyming remembrance to the danger of lightning -- If you hear it, clear (fear) it; if you see it, flee it."
Eric Bortmas
Hanoverton