May 1st, 2008
Central Washington University Softballers Set Stunning Sportsmanship Standard
The setting was an tough battle between two teams vying for a shot at the NCAA Div. II regional playoffs: the league-leading girls softball team from Western Oregon University versus the girls team from Central Washington University, a squad trailing Western Oregon by one game.
In a nutshell, Sara Tucholsky (a part-time outfielder for the Western Oregon Wolves), came to bat last Saturday (4-26-08) in the top of the second inning of a scoreless game with two runners on base. After taking the first pitch for a called strike, the 5′2″ Tucholsky smacked a home run over the center field fence for a commanding 3-0 lead.
Except that in her excitement at hitting her first ever home run, the tiny senior with a season batting average of .114 (4-for-35) missed the bag when rounding first base. As Tucholsky turned to touch first base, the ACL in her right knee gave way, leaving Tucholsky in a heap and others around her with a dilemma.
If a coach or her teammates touched/helped Tucholsky, she would be declared out and her run would not count. Similarly, if a pinch runner was brought in to replace her, her hit would be recorded as a single and not a home run. [NOTE: These were the official rulings on the field; according to the NCAA, both rulings are incorrect.]
Regardless, what happened next will stand forever as an epic display of sportsmanship. Specifically, two players from the opposing team, picked up and carried Tucholsky around the base path, allowing her to touch each bag and then homeplate to complete her home run circuit. Here’s an ESPN video with an interview of all three girls:
As one might suspect, players from Western Oregon were in tears as Tucholsky crossed home. And to be honest, I choked up the first time I read the Associated Press story found on the FOX Sports Website and Graham Hays’ detailed version of the story on ESPN.
The outcome of the game?
Tucholsky’s three-run shot turned out to be the game-winner in the 4-2 tilt, a home run that also knocked Central Washington out of the post season hunt.
But talk about losing out on the post season with one’s head held high. WOW!
It reminds me that as important as winning is in sports, it’d definitely not the most important thing. Thanks ladies.