Speaking of Sports Column Archive

Speaking
of
Sports

by
Bernie
Fratto

Winter Winners-
Set your clocks

2/27/2005

I know it’s not daylight savings time just yet, but that doesn’t seem to matter to these kids. Get ready for the ritual.

Let the games begin… It’s that time of year again, and it’s become such a regular event that you can basically set your clock by it.

The Novi Wildcats are in the postseason, and they have a habit of garnering District and Regional Championships with the ferocity of a Tiger attacking a pork chop! Not only do the teams do well, but in addition, the Novi Nation fan base is awesome. Not only do they travel well, but they get there early and they are making noise from minute one!

The Wrestlers will send (5) competitors off to regional competition next week (Bharat Saran, Jason Sierra, John Favorite, Dan Sprys, and Al Vellathottam) and don’t be surprised if one, or all of the advance to the next level.

Volleyball won their second straight district title Saturday, and look for their first ever regional win next week. Coach Julie Fisette has every reason to be proud of her team!

Meanwhile, the basketball team, also clinching a co-KVC championship, will take the floor against Salem HS in the first round of District Playoffs. The three-time defending District Champs! (that’s right, 3 straight) will be looking to add another notch to their belt. Is there such a word as ‘four-peat?’ I believe there could be after next week’s action is completed in Northville.

Remember, Schluter’s Cat’s are 58-10 in the regular season in the last 3 years, and 9-3 in the playoffs. And, their defense is even more stifling when it’s crunch time.

And while you’re at it, keep a close watch on the Hockey Wildcats. The U.S. just celebrated the 25^th anniversary of the ‘Miracle on Ice,’ In just their 7^th year in existence, Novi Hockey has become a State Powerhouse, winning multiple Regional Championships, and advancing to the Frozen Four (3) times. Plus, they always seem to be at their best when things are on the line, and they always manage to rise to the occasion against the toughest competition. They don’t need any miracles, but they are very capable of pulling one of their own.

Simply put, there are very few things you can count on in life, but you can definitely count on the Novi Wildcats to approach the postseason with such raw efficiency, that you always believe the sky is the limit.

There are no strikes, lockouts, or contract disputes with this group, just great competition, and good clean fun.

Let the games begin. Set your clock, we’ll see you there.

And, you might want to get there early!

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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 on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.