Speaking of Sports Column Archive

Speaking
of
Sports

by
Bernie
Fratto

CC - Redefined
and Revisited

10/31/04
In Novi, CC stands for Cross Country. Last week, the Men's team won the KVC and the Women's team finished 3rd in the KVC meet. Both were sparkling performances as Novi Cross Country teams continue year in and year out to produce quality athletes and terrific achievements.

In Novi, CC also stands for Classy Coaches. Bob Smith presides over both the Men's Cross Country team, which is perennially competitive and highly ranked.

And how about Head Football Coach Tab Kellepourey, and his Classy Comrades. Coaches Hartman, Ray, Burnside, Osborne, Helmkamp, Litman, and Mena, have assembled quite a cavalcade of champions.

In Novi, CC also stands for Championship Caliber. After capturing another coveted KVC football crown, the Crazy Cats are poised for another District Championship.

So therefore, for this week in Novi, CC may stand for 'Canton Chiefs' as well. The match-up in Canton will remind some of an extremely hard fought District tilt in 2001 as the host Chiefs prevailed 9-7 in a nail-biter.

Both teams will be ready as the road tested, playoff veteran Novi Wildcats have a history of respecting their opponents, and then playing their hearts out when the whistle blows and coming out on top.

Over the years Novi has toppled such State Powerhouses such as Lake Orion, Milford, Adrian, and Detroit MacKenzie, on the way to back-to-back District Championships, and last years Regional Championship.

Make no mistake, Novi has a lot of respect for their upcoming (CC) opponent, the Canton Chiefs.

However, Novi's toughness, speed, tradition, coaching, and character, lead me to believe that Friday night, CC will stand for "Causing Chaos."

A Cat has nine lives, and Friday night they'll show the world... again.

I like Novi 17-13...

Canton fans may think that CC stands for "CALL me CRAZY", this program has earned the right to think big, believe big, and achieve big. And when it comes to Novi Wildcat Football, I'm not afraid to talk big.

Come Friday night... You'll "CCCCCCCCCCC!"

___________________________________
Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker. His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto. "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also the voice of Novi Wildcat Hockey and host of Wildcat Face-off, a local radio program dedicated to youth sports in Novi.