Two events happened this past weekend that make me think small college athletics and small college life is a pretty good thing. Neither dealt directly with the outcome of a game.
As most of you know, the Dordt women’s soccer team hosted a NAIA National Tournament game on Saturday. I know, soccer in November, in Iowa, you’re going to run some risks. Well, the NAIA decided it was worth the risk and November 22 dawned with cold temps, winds and about two inches of snow. Yes, snow. Covering an 80 yard by 120 yard soccer field.
Now, I’m no soccer expert, but the idea of playing for the right to move on to Florida to play in the round of 16 in brutally cold conditions, along with a snow cover, well that doesn’t sound so good to me.
Turns out it didn’t sound so good to Athletic Director Rick Vander Berg or event supervisor Quentin Van Essen. So, about 10:00 they headed out to the field. By the time I arrived at noon for set-up they, along with about 30 other volunteers ranging from students to members of the Dordt College Administrative Cabinet were working feverishly with Gators, golf carts and a sweeper run by maintenance to get the field cleared.
And you know what? They got it done. With mounds of snow piled up around the perimeter the two teams were able to play a game where field conditions did not play a part in the outcome. Only at a school like Dordt, and there are some across the country, would you find the cooperation and leadership to get something like this pulled off. Kudos to all involved.
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Item two. Hockey game. Saturday night. I receive an e mail from hockey play by play man Dave Schenk telling me a hockey official is down at the All Seasons Center and it doesn’t look good. I’m in the middle of my volleyball broadcast and my heart sinks.
Talk to Dave briefly at the conclusion of the game in my office and he says the official got his feet swept out from under him in the course of play and he went down with the back of his head catching the brunt of his fall.
Monday morning I’m checking my email and I run across one from someone I don’t know with the title “Commendation”. I’m ready to hit the delete button because I’m sure it’s one of those mass email scams saying a business man from (insert country here) has funds available for me if I only supply him with my bank account number. Sure, would you like my mortgage payment book too?
Anyhow, I decide to open it . Here’s what the email said:
Dear Sir,
My name is Chad Stewart and I am a hockey official who regularly works Dordt Blades hockey. I am from Sioux City, IA and I was injured during a Dordt game on Saturday night. I am writing this because I want the Dordt Blades coaching staff as well as each and every player on campus to be recognized for their concern, compassion, and their quick response in making sure I was cared for by the medical staff. Six players in particular were responsible for carrying me off the ice on a backboard. As I was unconscious, I am not able to single them out over the rest of the team, but I think that Dordt College should be proud of each and every one of them. They all exuded the value system of your school and your religion’s way of life. From the bottom of my heart I am extremely grateful and impressed by the Blades hockey team. I got a personal phone call today from the Blades coach who was calling on behalf of himself and the team. He told me that all of the team was extremely concerned for my well being and that all of the boys had asked about me today.
If there is any special recognition that could come of this, I would be forever indebted to yourself as well as your school. This is the kind ofact that does not regularly happen in this day and age as we have become somewhat of a callous society. The compassion expressed by the Dordt Blades hockey team and even the fans (most of whom are students at the school) is the kind of thing that you and your staff should be extremely proud of.
I thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Chad Stewart
Later in the day I find out that Mr. Stewart received whiplash and a severe concussion. That, and he went into convulsions while he was knocked out on the ice. He was taken off the ice and airlifted to Sioux City where he was dismissed and returned to work on Monday. His hope is to be back on the ice soon officiating games again. The incident? Doesn’t remember it. Not a thing.
But he does remember a group of players and coaches who rose to the occasion to see that he was cared for in the best way possible and in quick fashion.
Not that it matters but the Blades won on Saturday. I think they were winners no matter the outcome.
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So there you have it. Two events that probably won’t make the sports section. Two events the likes of which happen from time to time that we often times don’t take the time to notice. Just thought someone should know.