Brian's 2009 In Review

Hard to believe 2009 is pretty much gone now, and looking back on the year in sports, I think it's safe to say, what it year it has been! One thing that I hope does not go unnoticed from 2009 is the overall quality of athletes that graduated around our area, and around the State - athletes that signed letters of intent to continue playing the sports they excelled at further on at the collegiate level. Obviously, several of these student-athletes became higher-profile stories, the likes of which we haven't seen in quite a few years, and as a broadcaster, it was really easy to get caught up in just how special the Class of 2009 really was. Here are some things from the 2009 sports year in South Dakota that I won't soon forget.

First of all, Lady Govs basketball. For a group of seniors that had been together on the varsity squad since their sophomore year, unfortunately, the dream never came true, as they were beat out by eventual champion Watertown in the semifinal round of the State Tournament. Four seniors on that team signed to play collegiately, of course most notably Katie Lingle and Steph Paluch at SDSU. Let's not forget Paluch's efforts, though - the single-game and all-time leading scorer at Riggs High School now, boys or girls, and the first ever winner of the Spirit of Su Award from Pierre. Not bad for a young lady who was also great enough to be named Miss Volleyball in her senior year as well.

The Governor basketball team became a sight to see in 2009 as well, even though my broadcast schedule prevents me from seeing them a whole lot. The Govs were a buzzer beater away from playing in the winner's bracket at State, but they ended up a resounding Consolation Champion with their high-scoring offensive showcase.

The Governor Track team saw their streak of 3 straight State Team Titles come to an end, but still finished a respectable 3rd place, as Matt Tetzlaff finished off his stellar career. And so did Alec Espeland, who steadily became one of the best middle distance runners in the state, and was so awarded by being named the Outstanding Athlete at the State Track Meet. Do you realize that Pierre competitors have been named Outstanding Athletes in the last FIVE State Track Meets now?!!

Another highlight (or heartbreak) of my broadcast year was not being able to follow Sam Ostarello and the Stanley County Lady Buffaloes to the State Basketball Tournament. Cheyenne-EB upended the Lady Buffs in the district championship and went on to State, where I was able to follow them still, but Lady Buff fans were left wondering what might have been. SamO capped her senior year with a third straight State A High Jump Championship, and then was also named South Dakota's Miss Basketball for 2009, but like the Lady Govs 2009 seniors, I was very sad to see Sam's career come to an end as well.

On a higher note, 2009 (finally) became the year that the Sully Buttes boys basketball team won it all, their first title since being called "Sully Buttes." They beat White River in the championship, who themselves put together an incredible season in their first without Louie Krogman. That's one thing I missed in 2009, though, as I happened to be at the National Bowling Tournament in Las Vegas on that particular weekend.

Speaking of bowling, for me personally, 2009 was a good year as well. I cashed at Nationals, if only enough to get my entry fee back, but that's not always very easy to do. :o) I was however, a member of the State Team Champion at the 2009 State Open Tournament in Sioux Falls, where Scott Stabnow, Willie Know, Brad Huck and I set a State Tournament record with a 3004 scratch total - an average of a 751 three-game series per bowler. I also had the pleasure of coaching several youth bowlers who won State Championships at the State Youth Tournament in Mitchell this past year as well.

I know there are several other student-athletes and stories that deserve mention with their accomplishments in 2009, so I hope that you will add your favorite moments and memories to this discussion as well.

With more great sports to come in 2010, Happy New Decade, everyone!!
- Brian

Oh yeah, almost forgot - 2009 was the year the Steelers reigned as World Champions, which was pretty cool, too. (Yes, I'm aware we won't be repeating that feat.....) And that Joe Mauer guy? He's pretty good, too. :o)