As you look at championship games and teams, it seems at times you try to make a connection to the now and the past. One of the ways to do this is to look at athletes and their parents. As John Marshall was making their run to the AAA State Softball Championship, I thought about a connection.
It didn’t take long for me to think of a tie to the 1996 AAA Football State Champion John Marshall Monarchs and the future AAA State Softball Champions. I found this in Paytyn Tucker and her dad Eric.
The first thing I thought of was that dad and daughter would have memories of state championships. They would be able to share stories of games, teammates, and moments. That’s when I thought the moments that they would have together been a little different than others that may share championship memories.
Thinking back on the 1996 championship game, I can remember that Eric had an interception late in the contest to all but seal the state championship for the Monarchs. Fast forward more than 26 years later and daughter Paytyn hit a 2 run RBI to center field that gave the Monarchs the lead and the victory in the title game.
These were two great moments for two great teams. As exciting as these accomplishments were for these two individuals, they were even bigger for their teams. Knowing both Eric and Paytyn, I can tell you the greatest joy for them wasn’t that it was their moment to shine. Each was happy that their teams won and that is the most important thing to them.
A unique tie to two great Monarch teams. These stories are the ones that make championships fun to look back at and celebrate. Dad and daughter sharing championship moments. Congratulations to the Monarchs and their most recent championship.
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