SPORTS

Staying focused on the winter

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 12/10/20

We're now in the second week of the state's pause in an effort to curb the growing COVID-19 numbers. Last month when the governor announced her plan to initiate the pause, it was certainly a bummer, but time flies and we're already halfway through. Of

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SPORTS

Staying focused on the winter

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We’re now in the second week of the state’s pause in an effort to curb the growing COVID-19 numbers. Last month when the governor announced her plan to initiate the pause, it was certainly a bummer, but time flies and we’re already halfway through.

Of course, as we all know, this pause also delayed the start of the winter sports season at the high school level. It was originally supposed to start on Nov. 30, which seemed like a longshot even from the beginning. Unfortunately, the season’s start is still on hold and we are waiting for the green light to ramp things up.

Like everything has been since March, the winter outlook is uncertain.

Will we have a winter season? When will we have a season? Which sports will be allowed back? What modifications will be established? Will fans be allowed? What is the likelihood of the season being completed?

We have very little clarity and few answers to our many questions. However, the point that I am building up to here, is that I have been happy to see most people maintain a positive mindset and continue to work toward the winter sports season, even if plans are not yet set in stone.

Teams have been holding virtual informational meetings over the past week, coaches have been in contact. I can’t say that things seem to be trending toward a fast return, seems more likely that things will be put on hold until after the new year, but the fact that teams have been in communication is great and will only further prepare everyone for when the season actually starts.

The way we think and act is so important at times like this … it has been huge for every step taken this year whether it be forward or back.

We need to be optimistic, we need to do our best to be prepared for any development, and we need to make sure we put our best foot forward instead of getting discouraged and fall behind.

So, as we work our way through the rest of this week and see what the governor and her team choose to do in the short term, let’s keep on keeping on and stay focused on getting back out there, one way or another, for the winter. It will be interesting to see how things play out, especially if the COVID vaccine is effective and becomes more widely available in the next couple of months. Fingers crossed.

For now, the hope is that things will tip off by the end of the month, maybe even as soon as next week. Let’s operate as if this is the case, let’s make sure we are ready to hit the ground running from the first day we can. Also, most importantly, let’s continue to make the right decisions regarding this pandemic, stay safe, and give our athletes a fighting chance in the coming months.

Unfortunately, the Cranston sports community lost another member of its circle as former player, coach and league administrator Bob DeCosta passed away due to complications from COVID-19.

DeCosta was a former professional baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Braves and would eventually work at Citizens Bank for over 40 years. He continued to coach baseball at the youth level for many years and was a big figure within CLCF, National Budlong and played in men’s softball leagues throughout the state.

His passion was sports and working with kids. Whether it be instructing them on the field or assisting in various projects to enhance their facilities in the city, DeCosta’s impact was a huge one.

Like Steven Matzner, who I wrote about last week, I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DeCosta, but it is clear how passionate he was about his community which is inspiring. He never expected anything in return or sought praise, he was just a guy that loved sports and loved working with children and devoted much of his life to it.

These types of locals are so critical to our communities, especially when it comes to our youth and sports leagues. There obviously is not much money within these leagues, so volunteerism is huge. To have someone devote the time and effort that DeCosta did is extraordinary and a great example of the type of unsung heroes that deserve to be celebrated.

Whether it is volunteering, following these leagues on social media, watching a few games, youth sports need our help each season to thrive, so let’s give them the attention they deserve. In times like these especially, it is more important than ever.

Lastly, my weekly Patriots take.

This was their best win of the season, by far, without question.

I know that the Chargers only have three wins this season, have had some injuries, some inconsistencies, and are being led by a rookie quarterback. Make no mistake about it, though, this team has talent on both sides of the ball and can compete. A 45-0 thrashing is not a Chargers loss or a fluke … this Patriots team rolled for all four quarters and in all three phases.

The Pats have to win out from here to have a shot at the postseason, and a win like Sunday’s is sometimes the spark that a unit needs to get the ball rolling.

The Pats are still very flawed and have virtually no chance of competing for a title, but with a playoff appearance still on the table, it’s exciting to see them playing with some urgency instead of folding at the hands of the odds which are against them.

Offensively, they were efficient and didn’t turn the ball over. Defensively, they got pressure on the quarterback and created multiple turnovers. Special teams came up with multiple touchdowns. All in all, it was a complete showing that gave us a glimmer of hope that this squad can make a meaningful run the rest of the way.

I miss the days of guaranteed wins, for sure, but at the same time, is it really a bad thing to be in must-win scenarios this late into the season? Let’s have some fun with it.

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