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Every year about this time I commemorate the anniversary of Title IX. In August 1974, then President Richard M. Nixon ratified this bill into congress and it provided gender equity on the athletic field. In other words, it opened the door for females to participate in High School interscholastic athletics on a more level playing field. The results have been dramatic. Case(s) in point…The US Women’s softball team wins the Gold Medal handily, outscoring opponents 49-1. The Men’s baseball team didn’t even qualify for Olympic competition. The US Women’s basketball team won the Gold Medal, dominating Australia in the championship game with their athleticism, skill and teamwork. The US Men’s team, which featured NBA players, struggled mightily, losing 3 games and barely salvaging a Bronze Medal. The US Women’s soccer team also won the Gold Medal, while the Men’s team was also a no-show, basically. And, don’t forget about the Gold Medal winning Women’s volleyball team as well. Do I detect a pattern here? I don’t know, you can tell me I guess, but I would say this. Watching the women play on any level is a treat. They play a pure form of the game, in every game, and the play close attention to fundamentals and working as a unit. There is far less self-aggrandizement, hot-dogging, and disrespecting opponents. The trash talk is non-existent, and there is no showboating a la Terrell Owens or Kobe Bryant. Give it up dudes; the women play the game the right way. You wanna see Old School?…Well class is in session. The best part is, you don’t have to travel to Athens to see great competition among the ranks of the distaff class. Right here in Novi, you can partake until your heart is content. Coach Bill Kelp’s basketball team is off and running, and they will challenge for a KVC Title. Coach Brian O’Leary’s soccer team will be state ranked in the spring. Coach Julie Fisette’s volleyball team will be loaded with talent. And don’t forget softball, cross-country, tennis, and golf. Novi HS will field women’s teams in all of those sports, and every one will compete hard every night. Happy Anniversary Title IX, I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years holds…
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