Recognition...

This column was actually written last week, but sometimes things get lost in cyberspace. Most columns I’ve written have been time sensitive, but not this one thank goodness. So now I’m a week early for the next column or maybe a week late depending on your thought process. Oh well, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

Now that the basketball season is in full swing and football champions have had their banquets and individual awards handed out by teams and leagues, the state awards have finally been announced and several of the Broncos of LRS have earned first and second team recognition.

First team members include Ryan Whitmore O-receiver; Jarradd Morley O and D-lineman; Jacob Anderson O-lineman; Keanu Niezwaag D-linebacker; Cort Ruzicka Punter and second team kicker; Connor O’Neill second team running back and D-back; and Dylan Hartz was first team QB and D-back as well as the 2B player of the year, which was very well deserved especially after the semi-final and championship games.

These awards are voted on by reporters who have seen these kids play and the more a team progresses in the playoffs the more chances that reporters get to see certain teams and athletes play, and the more recognition that can come these players way.

Recognition like this is impressive. However, if I had a vote I would have added Tyler Frederick on both sides of the ball. With two interceptions for TDs at the D-lineman position it makes his resume stand out, in my opinion.

I guess that I would have to add the last one since it wasn’t part of the positions announced. That would be as a return man and that recognition would have gone to Tyler Greenwalt. He had a TD this year and a long return to start the second half of the championship game, which would eventually lead to a TD for the Broncos and a huge emotional lift coming out of the locker room. He made great improvement throughout the season. Now, that is how I would have voted from my location on the field, which was a pretty good one thank you very much.

This was definitely a magical season for the Broncos and one we fans won’t soon forget. I know quite a few people who can hardly wait for the 2013 football season to get started. I can wait because I still need to catch my breath. Besides, we have an outstanding group of basketball players, many who were on the football team. Which, of course means when you have good athletes they will often lead to success in other sports.

I know there were a fair amount of fans that started watching the football team play when they were in playoff mode. A few others were there in Kennewick at the semi-final game. A few others most likely only saw the Broncos play when they were at the Tacoma Dome for the championship final. There was great support there that’s for sure and much appreciated by the players and coaches. But I can guarantee you that if you only saw a game or two you missed a lot.

I say that in hopes that you take in a few games this basketball season because this is a special group of athletes that are playing at Gilson Gym. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to a game and would like to see two quality teams battle, I suggest you take in the game between the St. George’s Dragons and the Broncos tomorrow night. The girls play at 6 p.m., and have been improving with each game and will be a solid opponent come playoff time.

The Dragon boys are loaded and this should be a great matchup. Start the New Year off right by supporting the Bronco basketball teams.

The LaCrosse-Washtucna/Kahlotus Tigercats’ boys are also having a season to remember and plan to challenge for a league championship as well as a berth at the state tournament in Spokane. It has been a while since LWK has had this kind of success on the basketball court and this team needs community support to get there.

Make sure you get out to the local gym and cheer loudly and warm up your cold hands by clapping often. These teams deserve that recognition from their fan base.

Happy belated New Year from the Worst Seat in the House! I hope you keep your resolutions for a long time. But if you don’t, I hope you make a new list as soon as possible.