Ripping off a long winning streak in baseball or softball is probably more difficult than any other sport, given how one player -- a pitcher -- can shut down even the hottest of teams. Or how even one misplayed ball can turn a lead into a loss.
So what do you make of Central Oklahoma's 25-game winning streak on the softball diamond?
Well, amazing comes immediately to mind. Or mind-boggling. How about incredible?
Whatever word you want to use, it would probably fit. But since dropping a 4-2 decision to Central Missouri on Feb. 17 to fall to 2-3, the Bronchos have been simply unbeatable.
They've won mostly in blowouts, with 15 of those 25 wins by at least five runs -- including nine that have ended early on the eight-run mercy rule. But they've also won close games, having prevailed in five one-run decisions.
Now 27-3, UCO is ranked 12th and rising. Playing as an NCAA Division II independent this season while between conferences, the Bronchos can only qualify for the national tournament as an at-large entry and will need to continue their winning ways to make the playoffs.
That, however, shouldn't be much of a problem.
The Bronchos of veteran coach Genny Stidham feature an overpowering offensive attack that overwhelms opponents, though this team still has plenty of speed along with a pair of proven pitchers.
UCO is averaging 8.1 runs a game and ranks among the Division II national leaders in batting average (.375), runs (242), home runs (47) and runs batted in (229). The Bronchos have already broken the school single-season record for homers and will also shatter the marks for runs and RBI, since 18 regular-season games still remain.
Nathalie Timmermans, Kacie Edwards and Megan Whitmire lead UCO's big boppers. That trio has combined for 33 homers and 126 RBI, with Timmermans having tied the school record for homers (14) and Edwards having already surpassed the RBI record with 49.
Then there's Kayce Raines, batting a team-high .474 with an on-base percentage over .500. And Kaylee Brunson, hitting .417 as the lead-off with 16 stolen bases. And Brittany Weaver, with her .353 average and impeccable defense at second base.
Don't forget pitchers Amanda McClelland (14-1, 2.91 earned run average) and Rachael Steverson (13-2, 3.43).
Will the winning streak ever end? Probably so, given the sport, but this is a special team and they're on a special roll.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Coaching Giant
Long-time UCO wrestling coach David James reached a rare milestone last Saturday when the Bronchos downed Ouachita Baptist 25-12, which was acknowledged immediately after completion of the final match when many in the crowd stood and waved signs saying "350".
It was the 350th career win for the 30-year skipper, putting him in rare air indeed. He became just the 40th coach in college wrestling history to reach that number and only the fifth in NCAA Division II.
James, a four-time All-American and two-time national champion for the Bronchos during his days as a competitor, is now 350-125-5 at UCO. Among those 350 wins are 56 over Division I teams, including such heavyweights as Michigan, Michigan State and Boise State. And 76 of his losses -- nearly 61 percent -- are to Division I teams, including powerhouses Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Penn State.
D.J. has coached 12 national championship teams at UCO and been a seven-time national Coach of the Year honoree. He's had 45 individual national champions and 169 All-Americans. He's had more than 50 former wrestlers go on to become wrestling coaches themselves, many directing some of the best high school programs in Oklahoma and Texas.
In other words, Coach James is one of the coaching giants of his sport. Of any sport, really. And he deserves to be in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
• Two other UCO coaches have had milestone wins this year, with soccer head man Mike Cook and men's basketball mentor Terry Evans both reaching the 200-win plateau.
Cook did it early last fall with a 4-0 home shutout of Southwest Baptist to kick-start a school-record 15-game winning streak that earned the Bronchos their eighth national tournament appearance since 2000. Mike came to Edmond from Southern Nazarene -- his alma mater -- to start the UCO program in 1998 and is now a tidy 214-72-16 with the Bronchos.
Evans got to 200 wins in his 10th year at UCO, reaching that mark in December with a 79-68 victory over Arkansas Tech. Terry has had the two winningest seasons in school history (28 in 2007-08, 30 in 2010-11) and taken the Bronchos to the national tournament seven times in compiling a nifty 205-89 record with three games remaining this year.
It was the 350th career win for the 30-year skipper, putting him in rare air indeed. He became just the 40th coach in college wrestling history to reach that number and only the fifth in NCAA Division II.
James, a four-time All-American and two-time national champion for the Bronchos during his days as a competitor, is now 350-125-5 at UCO. Among those 350 wins are 56 over Division I teams, including such heavyweights as Michigan, Michigan State and Boise State. And 76 of his losses -- nearly 61 percent -- are to Division I teams, including powerhouses Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Penn State.
D.J. has coached 12 national championship teams at UCO and been a seven-time national Coach of the Year honoree. He's had 45 individual national champions and 169 All-Americans. He's had more than 50 former wrestlers go on to become wrestling coaches themselves, many directing some of the best high school programs in Oklahoma and Texas.
In other words, Coach James is one of the coaching giants of his sport. Of any sport, really. And he deserves to be in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
• Two other UCO coaches have had milestone wins this year, with soccer head man Mike Cook and men's basketball mentor Terry Evans both reaching the 200-win plateau.
Cook did it early last fall with a 4-0 home shutout of Southwest Baptist to kick-start a school-record 15-game winning streak that earned the Bronchos their eighth national tournament appearance since 2000. Mike came to Edmond from Southern Nazarene -- his alma mater -- to start the UCO program in 1998 and is now a tidy 214-72-16 with the Bronchos.
Evans got to 200 wins in his 10th year at UCO, reaching that mark in December with a 79-68 victory over Arkansas Tech. Terry has had the two winningest seasons in school history (28 in 2007-08, 30 in 2010-11) and taken the Bronchos to the national tournament seven times in compiling a nifty 205-89 record with three games remaining this year.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Marching On
Take a glance at the bench before any UCO women's basketball game and what do you see? Head coach Guy Hardaker and assistant Bill Shaw busying themselves with last-minute game preparations. Nine players looking forward to the game, most looking relaxed and laughing.
But what else do you notice?
Well, there's the sweet-shooting Courtney Allen and do-everything Alyssa Fuxa, returning starters from last year's 22-10 team that made it to the Sweet 16. But they're not suited up. Neither is Tarrington Oakes, a key reserve at point guard last season.
Oh, and there's Kasey Tweed. Steady senior veteran, starter of the first nine games this season, but now in street clothes. And then you see Paiten Taylor, a potent inside force with her rebounding and scoring who started the first 12 games. Nope, she's not in uniform either.
And finally there's Britney Morgan. Started every game as a rookie last year and the first 19 games this winter at the point, running the UCO attack. She's in sweats, a bulky brace covering one knee.
Yep, that's six - seven counting Alex Richardson, who is also out - players sidelined by season-ending injury.
But what happened on this Saturday afternoon, when the Bronchos went against a Northeastern State team ranked sixth in the country with a 17-1 record and an 11-game winning streak? A UCO victory of course, 77-71 in overtime.
Never mind that five potential starters were on the bench. Forget that the Bronchos have had to constantly revamp their style of play, with players having to take on different roles than they're used to. Don't worry about freshmen being brought along slowly who all of a sudden are expected to play in crucial situations.
It's simply mind-boggling the amount of injuries the Bronchos have endured this year. It was bad last season, when Tweed, Taylor, Jill Bryan and Rachel New had to sit out, with Oakes going down midway through and Allen toward the end. But nothing like this season.
And still the Bronchos found a way to knock off the No. 6 team in the country. Amazing, to say the least. UCO is 13-8 with five games remaining, which I think is incredible, given what's happened this year.
Kudos to the Coach Hardaker and his staff for being positive, creating ways to stay competitive, not offering excuses. A big tip of the hat to Heather Davis and Savannah Hamilton and Jill Bryan and Rachel New and Autumn Huffman and Courtney Harper and Chelsea Robinson and Paige Locke and Chelsi Dennis, the players who come to the gym every day ready to work.
Those nine players know things would be different if their teammates were suited up with them. They know the record would be better, the playing time were be distributed differently, the roles they play on the court wouldn't be the same.
But that doesn't matter. They show up for the games and leave everything on the court, usually with a smile. And how cool is that?
But what else do you notice?
Well, there's the sweet-shooting Courtney Allen and do-everything Alyssa Fuxa, returning starters from last year's 22-10 team that made it to the Sweet 16. But they're not suited up. Neither is Tarrington Oakes, a key reserve at point guard last season.
Oh, and there's Kasey Tweed. Steady senior veteran, starter of the first nine games this season, but now in street clothes. And then you see Paiten Taylor, a potent inside force with her rebounding and scoring who started the first 12 games. Nope, she's not in uniform either.
And finally there's Britney Morgan. Started every game as a rookie last year and the first 19 games this winter at the point, running the UCO attack. She's in sweats, a bulky brace covering one knee.
Yep, that's six - seven counting Alex Richardson, who is also out - players sidelined by season-ending injury.
But what happened on this Saturday afternoon, when the Bronchos went against a Northeastern State team ranked sixth in the country with a 17-1 record and an 11-game winning streak? A UCO victory of course, 77-71 in overtime.
Never mind that five potential starters were on the bench. Forget that the Bronchos have had to constantly revamp their style of play, with players having to take on different roles than they're used to. Don't worry about freshmen being brought along slowly who all of a sudden are expected to play in crucial situations.
It's simply mind-boggling the amount of injuries the Bronchos have endured this year. It was bad last season, when Tweed, Taylor, Jill Bryan and Rachel New had to sit out, with Oakes going down midway through and Allen toward the end. But nothing like this season.
And still the Bronchos found a way to knock off the No. 6 team in the country. Amazing, to say the least. UCO is 13-8 with five games remaining, which I think is incredible, given what's happened this year.
Kudos to the Coach Hardaker and his staff for being positive, creating ways to stay competitive, not offering excuses. A big tip of the hat to Heather Davis and Savannah Hamilton and Jill Bryan and Rachel New and Autumn Huffman and Courtney Harper and Chelsea Robinson and Paige Locke and Chelsi Dennis, the players who come to the gym every day ready to work.
Those nine players know things would be different if their teammates were suited up with them. They know the record would be better, the playing time were be distributed differently, the roles they play on the court wouldn't be the same.
But that doesn't matter. They show up for the games and leave everything on the court, usually with a smile. And how cool is that?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A New Beginning
To use a baseball term in reference to a football hiring, I'd say UCO hit a home run with Wednesday's announcement that former Broncho fullback Nick Bobeck would take over as the school's new head football coach. A two-out, bottom-of-the-ninth, walk-off grand slam at that.
Not to put any undue pressure on Nick, but this is the guy who can get the Bronchos back where they belong. And where UCO football belongs is among the NCAA Division II elite.
The Bronchos should field a team that annually competes with the best of the best in the rugged Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. UCO should be in the running for a playoff berth virtually every year. Nick Bobeck is the guy who can get those things done.
He can't do it alone and it won't happen overnight, but the history and tradition of the program -- nearly 600 wins, two national titles, 31 conference/division crowns -- demands that the Bronchos be successful.
It was an exciting time during Wednesday's press conference in the Wantland Stadium suites. The place was overflowing with school administrators and coaches, fans and media and -- most noteably -- former players. Guys who played with Nick when he wore No. 45 for the Bronchos from 1999-02 and others who were giddy with the thought of one of their own taking over the reigns of the program.
Guys like Buck Irwin, who played for the Bronchos in the late 1980s. And Max Tuepker, a four-year letterman from the mid-1970s. And Aaron Chester, whose career ended a year before Nick came to UCO. Teammates like Jess Loepp and Brandon Whiteley and John Fitzgerald and Tyler Griffin and B.J. Bender. Former athletic administrators like Skip Wagnon and Jeff McKibbin and Chuck Bailey.
All watching as the poised and polished Bobeck -- looking like he could still suit up and knock down a linebacker or two -- talked with great honesty and humility about his love for UCO and his excitement of getting back to his alma mater. How the university helped shape him as a man and a coach. How he's committed to getting the Bronchos back where they belong. How much he loves to teach and coach and mentor young men, to turn them not only into great football players but responsible members of society.
All waited as Nick went through various one-on-one media interviews following the press conference, wanting to share a handshake and a hug with the man they know will bring the Broncho family back together, with the wins to soon follow.
It was a scene I'll not soon forget. Watching a guy trot around the bases after knocking the ball out of the park to win the game is always something to savor.
Not to put any undue pressure on Nick, but this is the guy who can get the Bronchos back where they belong. And where UCO football belongs is among the NCAA Division II elite.
The Bronchos should field a team that annually competes with the best of the best in the rugged Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. UCO should be in the running for a playoff berth virtually every year. Nick Bobeck is the guy who can get those things done.
He can't do it alone and it won't happen overnight, but the history and tradition of the program -- nearly 600 wins, two national titles, 31 conference/division crowns -- demands that the Bronchos be successful.
It was an exciting time during Wednesday's press conference in the Wantland Stadium suites. The place was overflowing with school administrators and coaches, fans and media and -- most noteably -- former players. Guys who played with Nick when he wore No. 45 for the Bronchos from 1999-02 and others who were giddy with the thought of one of their own taking over the reigns of the program.
Guys like Buck Irwin, who played for the Bronchos in the late 1980s. And Max Tuepker, a four-year letterman from the mid-1970s. And Aaron Chester, whose career ended a year before Nick came to UCO. Teammates like Jess Loepp and Brandon Whiteley and John Fitzgerald and Tyler Griffin and B.J. Bender. Former athletic administrators like Skip Wagnon and Jeff McKibbin and Chuck Bailey.
All watching as the poised and polished Bobeck -- looking like he could still suit up and knock down a linebacker or two -- talked with great honesty and humility about his love for UCO and his excitement of getting back to his alma mater. How the university helped shape him as a man and a coach. How he's committed to getting the Bronchos back where they belong. How much he loves to teach and coach and mentor young men, to turn them not only into great football players but responsible members of society.
All waited as Nick went through various one-on-one media interviews following the press conference, wanting to share a handshake and a hug with the man they know will bring the Broncho family back together, with the wins to soon follow.
It was a scene I'll not soon forget. Watching a guy trot around the bases after knocking the ball out of the park to win the game is always something to savor.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas Wishes
Christmas is nearly here, so I guess it's time to make known my wish list for UCO athletics.
• That UCO's new football coach, whomever it may be, will be able to get the Bronchos out of the mire of mediocrity that has plagued the program recently. UCO has had only three winning seasons in the 2000s and that's unacceptable for a program with such a long history of success. Nearly 600 wins (593) more than any other Oklahoma college team besides OU. Thirty-eight seasons with seven-plus wins. Thirty-one conference/division championships. Two national titles. UCO and winning football should go hand-in-hand.
• That the UCO women's basketball team suffer no more injuries. It's downright amazing how many crucial players coach Guy Hardaker has lost this season to injury. Three, including senior starters Courtney Allen and Alyssa Fuxa, went out before the season even started. Another senior (Kasey Tweed) was lost three weeks ago. And then last week in Las Vegas, freshman stud Paiten Taylor tore her knee up. Allen, Fuxa and Tweed played in 249 combined games for the Bronchos, experience and leadership that can't be replaced. Yet, somehow, UCO is 9-4.
• That the new UCO volleyball coach, whomever it may be, will continue the winning tradition established by Mark Herrin in 1990 and continued by Jeff Boyland. The Bronchos have had 19 winning seasons since 1990 while being guided by Herrin (1990-02) and Boyland (03-11), winning 25-plus matches seven times and making four Division II national tournament appearances. The next coach will have some big shoes to fill and here's hoping they will step right into them.
• That UCO's perennial powerhouse wrestling team gets back in the championship hunt. The Bronchos have won 15 national championships in their storied history, including 12 under 30th-year head coach David James. But UCO's last title came in 2007 and the Bronchos have finished sixth, sixth, 15th and 13th in the four seasons since then. This year's squad is still a young one with only one senior starter, but there's plenty of talent and the potential is there. Helping UCO's cause this year will be hosting the Super Regional Two Tournament at Hamilton Field House on Feb. 25-26.
• That the senior trio of Shane Carroll, Brent Friday and Tyler Phillips make a second semester push in leading UCO's men to yet another national tournament berth. The threesome has played in 294 combined games, scored 2,685 points and appeared in the post-season every year of their careers. Phillips was part of the 2008 team that made it to the Elite Eight before missing the next season with injury when Carroll and Friday joined the program. That 2009 team went to the Division II playoffs again, as did the 2010 and '11 teams the trio played on together. The 8-6 Bronchos will probably need a significant second-semester rally to get back in the national tournament, but the three amigos are ready to lead the charge.
• That all the UCO teams that have yet to start enjoy successful seasons, sprinkled with many wins and - hopefully - a few championships.
• That everyone enjoy a wonderful Christmas along with a safe and prosperous New Year!
• That UCO's new football coach, whomever it may be, will be able to get the Bronchos out of the mire of mediocrity that has plagued the program recently. UCO has had only three winning seasons in the 2000s and that's unacceptable for a program with such a long history of success. Nearly 600 wins (593) more than any other Oklahoma college team besides OU. Thirty-eight seasons with seven-plus wins. Thirty-one conference/division championships. Two national titles. UCO and winning football should go hand-in-hand.
• That the UCO women's basketball team suffer no more injuries. It's downright amazing how many crucial players coach Guy Hardaker has lost this season to injury. Three, including senior starters Courtney Allen and Alyssa Fuxa, went out before the season even started. Another senior (Kasey Tweed) was lost three weeks ago. And then last week in Las Vegas, freshman stud Paiten Taylor tore her knee up. Allen, Fuxa and Tweed played in 249 combined games for the Bronchos, experience and leadership that can't be replaced. Yet, somehow, UCO is 9-4.
• That the new UCO volleyball coach, whomever it may be, will continue the winning tradition established by Mark Herrin in 1990 and continued by Jeff Boyland. The Bronchos have had 19 winning seasons since 1990 while being guided by Herrin (1990-02) and Boyland (03-11), winning 25-plus matches seven times and making four Division II national tournament appearances. The next coach will have some big shoes to fill and here's hoping they will step right into them.
• That UCO's perennial powerhouse wrestling team gets back in the championship hunt. The Bronchos have won 15 national championships in their storied history, including 12 under 30th-year head coach David James. But UCO's last title came in 2007 and the Bronchos have finished sixth, sixth, 15th and 13th in the four seasons since then. This year's squad is still a young one with only one senior starter, but there's plenty of talent and the potential is there. Helping UCO's cause this year will be hosting the Super Regional Two Tournament at Hamilton Field House on Feb. 25-26.
• That the senior trio of Shane Carroll, Brent Friday and Tyler Phillips make a second semester push in leading UCO's men to yet another national tournament berth. The threesome has played in 294 combined games, scored 2,685 points and appeared in the post-season every year of their careers. Phillips was part of the 2008 team that made it to the Elite Eight before missing the next season with injury when Carroll and Friday joined the program. That 2009 team went to the Division II playoffs again, as did the 2010 and '11 teams the trio played on together. The 8-6 Bronchos will probably need a significant second-semester rally to get back in the national tournament, but the three amigos are ready to lead the charge.
• That all the UCO teams that have yet to start enjoy successful seasons, sprinkled with many wins and - hopefully - a few championships.
• That everyone enjoy a wonderful Christmas along with a safe and prosperous New Year!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tough-luck Kid
Kasey Tweed has never been one of Central Oklahoma's big stars on the basketball court. A career scoring average of 4.4 points a game is proof positive of that.
But the senior guard has played a vital role in UCO's success throughout her career in a myriad of other ways. Tough, hard-nosed defense. Leadership. Shear competitiveness. A tipped rebound here, a knocked away pass there. Contributions that sometimes don't show up in a box score.
And now, sadly, it appears Kasey's career is over.
I honestly didn't expect her injury-ravaged right knee to hold up the entire season, especially considering the fearless way she plays on the court, but certainly there was hope that it would.
Kasey tore her ACL in that right knee as a freshman in high school, then again as a sophomore at UCO and then again as a junior. She sat out the entire 2010-11 season rehabbing that knee, even using a personal trainer last summer to get it ready to go for one last go-around.
It actually was holding up pretty good, though there were plenty of days that Kasey couldn't practice much because of the soreness. She averaged 5.9 points a game and had a team-high 15 steals through UCO's 7-2 start and gave the Bronchos a gritty toughness they needed.
So, of course, it wasn't the right knee that went out on Kasey. It was the left. She felt something give in the second game of the season, didn't tell anyone for fear of not being able to play and then tweaked it again during practice last week.
The early diagnosis wasn't bad, but a doctor's visit revealed a partial ACL tear. Rehab it for a few weeks and she might be able to return, though the ultimate result of that would undoubtedly be a full tear and another surgery. Which means that Kasey Tweed has played her final game.
"I've played since I was five years old and just didn't want to give it up," Kasey said. "Now I'm done forever."
How do you measure a player's heart? Their passion? Their love of the game? You watch someone like Kasey Tweed.
But the senior guard has played a vital role in UCO's success throughout her career in a myriad of other ways. Tough, hard-nosed defense. Leadership. Shear competitiveness. A tipped rebound here, a knocked away pass there. Contributions that sometimes don't show up in a box score.
And now, sadly, it appears Kasey's career is over.
I honestly didn't expect her injury-ravaged right knee to hold up the entire season, especially considering the fearless way she plays on the court, but certainly there was hope that it would.
Kasey tore her ACL in that right knee as a freshman in high school, then again as a sophomore at UCO and then again as a junior. She sat out the entire 2010-11 season rehabbing that knee, even using a personal trainer last summer to get it ready to go for one last go-around.
It actually was holding up pretty good, though there were plenty of days that Kasey couldn't practice much because of the soreness. She averaged 5.9 points a game and had a team-high 15 steals through UCO's 7-2 start and gave the Bronchos a gritty toughness they needed.
So, of course, it wasn't the right knee that went out on Kasey. It was the left. She felt something give in the second game of the season, didn't tell anyone for fear of not being able to play and then tweaked it again during practice last week.
The early diagnosis wasn't bad, but a doctor's visit revealed a partial ACL tear. Rehab it for a few weeks and she might be able to return, though the ultimate result of that would undoubtedly be a full tear and another surgery. Which means that Kasey Tweed has played her final game.
"I've played since I was five years old and just didn't want to give it up," Kasey said. "Now I'm done forever."
How do you measure a player's heart? Their passion? Their love of the game? You watch someone like Kasey Tweed.
Monday, November 21, 2011
On The Road
I was in a mini-bus traveling with our women's basketball team to Denton, Texas last Friday morning when word started to reach us about the latest Oklahoma State airplane tragedy.
Shocked and bewilderment were my two immediate reactions, followed quickly by sadness and grief. As an OSU graduate, it hit even closer to home and I just couldn't believe such a catastrophe had happened to the school yet again.
But it also made me realize that accidents involving collegiate athletic programs are really rare. I'm obviously extremely grateful for that, but it's also somewhat amazing if you start to consider how many teams around the country are actually out there traveling the highways and airways during any given day.
UCO alone had its men's basketball, women's basketball and wrestling teams on the road last weekend, with the basketball squads both going to Texas and the wrestlers all the way to Nebraska. All three traveled via bus and two of them didn't arrive back until late Saturday night.
I've been on hundreds of trips during my long career at UCO, traveling virtually every way possible -- car, station wagon, van, mini-bus, charter bus, small airplane, chartered airplane and commercial airplane.
And -- knock on wood -- I've made it here and there and back again on all those trips without an accident. Yes, we hit a deer once during a late-night drive back from a wrestling tournament in Nebraska. And, yes, there's been the occasional flat tire or mechanical issue or weather delay that's hampered a trip.
But those were merely inconveniences, blips on the radar that put us behind schedule and perhaps caused us to be late. And I'm okay with late, as long as we get where we're going and back again safely.
Shocked and bewilderment were my two immediate reactions, followed quickly by sadness and grief. As an OSU graduate, it hit even closer to home and I just couldn't believe such a catastrophe had happened to the school yet again.
But it also made me realize that accidents involving collegiate athletic programs are really rare. I'm obviously extremely grateful for that, but it's also somewhat amazing if you start to consider how many teams around the country are actually out there traveling the highways and airways during any given day.
UCO alone had its men's basketball, women's basketball and wrestling teams on the road last weekend, with the basketball squads both going to Texas and the wrestlers all the way to Nebraska. All three traveled via bus and two of them didn't arrive back until late Saturday night.
I've been on hundreds of trips during my long career at UCO, traveling virtually every way possible -- car, station wagon, van, mini-bus, charter bus, small airplane, chartered airplane and commercial airplane.
And -- knock on wood -- I've made it here and there and back again on all those trips without an accident. Yes, we hit a deer once during a late-night drive back from a wrestling tournament in Nebraska. And, yes, there's been the occasional flat tire or mechanical issue or weather delay that's hampered a trip.
But those were merely inconveniences, blips on the radar that put us behind schedule and perhaps caused us to be late. And I'm okay with late, as long as we get where we're going and back again safely.
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