Random Thoughts- July 1

A couple of random thoughts while Praising The Lord for air conditioning.

-The United States Men's National Team was outclassed by the talent on the Belgian side of the field. The level of heart was undeniably equal, especially in, arguably, the most key position on the field, Keeper.  Tim Howard played at the highest level of his life and needed every bit of it to keep his team in the game.  American children found some new heroes in Howard, Julian Green, and Jermaine Jones.  Can the game sustain the momentum afforded by the World's Most Watched Event?

As a fan of the game, I hope so.  It is "The Beautiful Game" for this reason: anyone can play well if they hone their skills, maintain their conditioning, and never, ever give up.  You don't have to be freakishly sized or outrageously talented, a similarity to baseball.  My suggestion is to keep watching.  The best games of the most interesting and well played World Cup in my lifetime are to come.

-I need to give a shout to a best friend for many years, Drew Peterson.  Drew and I met at Bethel College, he was a baseball player, I was helping revive the golf program while doing media relations for the basketball program and announcing home games for the baseball team.  He played two seasons and moved into coaching while still a student, taking over the softball program.  The year was 1990.

Almost a quarter century and over 700 wins later, he just completed his fourteenth year at the helm of Campbell University's softball program.  His teams at Campbell played in the NCAA tournament twice, winning an Atlantic Sun Conference Championship.  Last season may have been his best coaching job, still breaking .500 and qualifying for the Southern Conference Tournament while seeing his best players in the dugout with injuries.  While his teams accomplished  success on the field, Drew quietly passed the credit to the players and the honor and glory to God.   He hasn't changed much in that aspect over the last 25 years.

Campbell chose not to renew his contract for the next school year, always a possibility in the life of a coach.  Deep down, I know he is disappointed and hurt, but we are interested in seeing what is next.  Wherever he lands, watch out.  When God is for you, who can be against?

-Will somebody check the Dodgers' pitching staff for something illegal?  Two no-hitters and one-hitter in the last few weeks?  When did A-Rod start pitching?  Seriously, it has been fun to watch.

So...am I off base?