Huddle up: Safe from the rainy weather, winter sports has arrived

Marques Hunter

Huddle up

It’s been nearly a year since I began covering sports here in the Gig Harbor area. I must say the ride — so far — has been fun and challenging.

Winter sports have arrived, just in time to save me from the blistering cold, windy and rainy weather. I think my hands and every other extremities are just beginning to thaw.

But I’m not sold yet if this is my favorite season to cover sports. The fact that all of them are inside sure brings a smile to my face, though.

Being from the Pacific Northwest, I’m accustomed to the cold weather. Lately, it’s seemed like the days are over by noon — and the rain just won’t stop.

I don’t mind the rain, as long as I’m inside. It’s not fun to cover sports while drenched and attempting to take notes. Then again, every job has its ups and downs, hence the mentally challenging part.

I feel rescued by the winter sports season. Just as the days began to feel like movies of “Seven” and “Batman,” I can only feel the pitter-patter of rain on my shoulder and body when I walk to the safe confines of a gym or swimming pool.

It’s obvious the transition is upon us just by looking out the window. And the switch to wrestling, basketball, swimming and bowling — yes, I said bowling — is a pretty significant relief.

Don’t get me wrong here. While I complain about covering events in the drizzly weather, I distinctly remember playing in it. The ultimate experience, of course, is football in the snow. Some of my friends used to play — we’re all much bigger and, for some reason, much more fragile now — and whenever it snowed, there was a instinctive call to rise out of bed and begin coordinating a game at Manitou Park.

Now that those days are few and far between, I have the opportunity to watch high school sports and write about them for you. I’m excited to sit down and hear the thunderous roar of fans cheering at the Gig Harbor and Peninsula high school gyms as both schools fight for a district or state playoff spot in basketball.

The athletes grappling on the mat are a sight to see, too, as they execute holds during wrestling. The techniques they perform while transitioning to a pin require strength and skill.

Meanwhile, the boys will take over in the pool now that the girls have finished their swimming and diving seasons. Whether they can land sixth- or seventh-place finishes like the Gig Harbor or Peninsula girls remains to be seen. Look for previews of both schools next week as the Tides and Seahawks have their first meet this week.

Almost a full year later, it’s a nice feeling to change gears and make a push toward some other sports. The unfortunate thing for many of the coaches during the winter is the potential effect of the holidays on student-athletes.

But it’s time to burn those extra calories and return to the grind.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.