Let's Get Fired Up!

UP UP FIRED UP, (fans in the stands, should STAND UP, at this point)

LETS GET FIRED UP!

 One day and counting...It's the day before the first round game in Des Moines. About today, the anticipation level begins to rise. *The Game* becomes more prominent in our thoughts, looms larger on the horizon, and we are anxious. This afternoon, a crowd of fans & well-wishers will gather in the Machovec Gymnasium to raise the level of spirit, and send the Oriole women off to Des Moines. I've had a few moments where I wonder if it will be as big a crowd.....if the media will still care, if people will be *as* excited the second time around, and then I think, how could they not be MORE excited...we have a shot at two in a row, and that's Phenomenal! Many of us have no doubt spent more then a few minutes researching the competition, so we are aware (and perhaps a little leery) of that tall center, and those rebounding and blocked shot stats.  Still, WE, are the

ORIOLES...and WE have HEART! Each day we skim the paper for anything remotely related to Springville, or the tournament. Online today, and in print tomorrow, is the

poignant story of Carly Martin's close bond with her older brother Chase, and the day he passed away, leaving her to keep his "Sports Fan Extraordinaire" memory alive at SHS. Chase was a delightful young man, and his presence is always felt by many of us at every game.

Jeff Linder's sensitive piece is a timely and timeless reminder to us that we should cherish what is in this moment, because the next one is never a sure thing. So we will go to the 

PEP rally with enthusiasm and support and that drive to win in our heads, but we will also carry love, appreciation, compassion and a whole lot of pride in our hearts, knowing that this team, whatever the outcome Monday night, has been a joy for Springville fans to watch, as they traveled a long road filled with some crushing defeats, and magnificent victories. They hold a place in history at SHS, and they've earned it. They've played with all their hearts, giving us a thrill ride, and we will always remember them as State Champions, and great kids. 

GO ORIOLES!