Commentary: Aspermont Lady Hornet Volleyball

By Bobbie Brown

When I’m invited to a sporting event by a 1A coach, I do everything I can to attend. Because it was Saturday and a beautiful day, I hopped on Red 5 (my motorcycle) and headed down the road to Aspermont to the Volleyball tournament. I was eager to see the 1A schools in the tournament. Rotan, Paducah, Munday, Aspermont, Knox City, and Wellman-Union participated. I was able to see all the teams play. While I’m not an expert in the game of volleyball, I did enjoy watching the competitiveness between the teams. And there is something quite hypnotic about watching the ball go back and forth over the net.
 
The one thing about volleyball that amazes me is the ability of the players to fling themselves into the air or on the floor and keep the ball in play without hurting themselves. They pop right back up. Now that's toughness! Speaking from experience, when I fling myself into the air or on the floor, you can bet there will be some type of mark or injury... maybe a little bloodshed. Perhaps I should take lessons from some of these great 1A volleyball players!
 
I met two Lady Hornets, Gracie English and Kenadee Shugart, during a break between the Lady Hornet games. I had bought a pretty good burger meal deal from the concession stand and was busy stuffing it into my mouth when they sat down beside me. I’ve known their coach since we were both in high school. He asked me not to ask them about him, but that’s like dangling a steak in front of a starved animal. Of course, I’m going to ask.
 
We had a great conversation about Lady Hornet sports in general and how it had changed since Coach Carreon had taken the helm. The girls were very appreciative of their coach and respected him very much. I really enjoyed my conversation and subsequent interview with them. They are down-to-earth, respectful, polite, and humorous.
 
I was also able to corner Coach Mark Weaver and ask him about the Hornet football team. I hope to make one of their practices. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll definitely catch one of their games. They have quite a schedule this season! I was also happy to hang out with Trent Van Meter. He is the girl’s assistant coach as well as one-act-play director and English teacher. He wears many hats, as all 1A coaches do.
 
I had to leave late in the afternoon, but I was told the Lady Hornets came in 2nd in the tournament and Coach Carreon earned his 100th volleyball win over Munday. Watch out for the Lady Hornets. They are on a mission. And they do have something to prove.

Get out there and watch some volleyball if you can. While you're there, marvel at the acrobatics and the finesse in which the game is played. And never forget... Go forward and do GOOD!