Seven Enter St. Mary's Athletics Hall

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Seven Enter St. Mary's Athletics Hall of Fame: A Look Back and a Leap Forward

Wow, what a night! Last Saturday was truly amazing. Seeing those seven incredible athletes inducted into the St. Mary's Athletics Hall of Fame? Goosebumps, I tell ya. Goosebumps. I mean, I've covered St. Mary's sports for, like, fifteen years now – written countless articles about games won and lost, recruiting classes, and coaching changes – but this? This was special. It really hit home how much heart and dedication goes into building a successful athletics program.

Remembering the Legends: More Than Just Stats

This year's inductees were a diverse bunch – representing everything from basketball's golden age to the more recent successes in track and field. There was Coach Miller, whose tactical brilliance shaped so many winning seasons. He really was a legend, even if he could be a bit intense on the sidelines. Remember that game against Trinity? Man, the tension! Then there was Sarah Jenkins, whose scoring record in women's basketball still stands today. An absolute powerhouse! Seeing her up there, so graceful and poised after all these years… it was humbling.

It wasn't just their athletic prowess that stood out though; it was their character. The stories shared during the ceremony highlighted their commitment to teamwork, their resilience in the face of setbacks (I mean, everyone has those!), and their lasting impact on the St. Mary's community. There's something to be said for leaving a legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. It really makes you think about the kind of impact you want to make.

My Own Hall of Fame (almost) Fail

Speaking of impact…let me tell you about my almost-Hall-of-Fame moment. It wasn't athletic, obviously. More like a journalistic near-miss. A few years back, I was working on a profile of a former St. Mary's baseball star. I'd tracked him down – he was running a successful business now – and I’d spent hours interviewing him. I had all this fantastic material, anecdotes about his college career, his struggles, his triumphs. I was so close to a really amazing piece. But guess what? I lost the audio recording. Poof! Gone. My heart sank. I had to start over. It taught me a valuable lesson though: always back up your work. Always!

Practical Tips for Aspiring Sports Journalists (and Everyone Else!)

So, what did I learn from this near-disaster and from covering so many Hall of Fame inductions? A few things:

• Back up your work. Seriously. Cloud storage, external hard drives – whatever works. Don't be me.
• Listen more than you talk. Let your subjects tell their stories. You’ll get better quotes and a more compelling narrative.
• Research, research, research. Knowing the background of your subject adds depth and credibility.
• Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. But do it respectfully, obviously.
• Embrace the human element. Sports are about more than just wins and losses – they’re about people, their dreams, and their struggles.

This year's St. Mary's Athletics Hall of Fame induction was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and the enduring power of sport. It made me proud to be a part of the St. Mary's community – even if I haven't quite made it into that Hall of Fame yet! 😉

Looking Ahead: The Future of St. Mary's Athletics

Who will be next year's inductees? That's something to look forward to. The energy and excitement surrounding this year's event were infectious. The passion of the athletes, the pride of their families, and the enthusiasm of the crowd – it’s inspiring. St. Mary’s athletics has a bright future ahead, and I'm excited to see what the next generation of athletes will accomplish, maybe even securing their own places in the Hall of Fame someday. Go Gaels!