Beyond Olympics - our own "gold"

So the Olympics are done passing out medals for another year, but there was a very big medal passed out this weekend, and boys’ Raider Basketball moved one step closer to get their chance at a coveted medal of their own.

If you wanted to watch team play at its finest this year, all you had to do was watch a local LRHS Raider basketball game. Both boys’ and girls’ teams developed into great teams as the season wore on. Both teams are young, only one senior dribbling for Raider Basketball this year, so the future looks bright for both programs.

The girls did lose out in overtime over the weekend, but if a team of young ladies, never saying quit, never giving up, is what you want, this is the team for you. Injuries haunted this team this year but the younger players took over, seizing their chance and making the most of it. By the last game, younger players were shinning, and mixed with the veterans there were exciting moments. Coaches Pleasants and Ootsey did a fine job molding this team into a contender and the future looks golden.

The boys pulled off the win this weekend in overtime. Next is Lind-Ritzville-Sprague, a game to be played Saturday in Cheney. This team thrives on teamwork, and every game they got better and better. Young coaches and younger players made for an exciting mix. Yes, they are still making rookie mistakes, but they are learning from them and are looking to surprise some teams as the regional playoffs start. Good job boys.

Raider wrestling took to the mats at the state wrestling tournament over the weekend. Gold, silver, and bronze all came home. Kodie Horn brought home a state championship and a giant smile. It was a rough 365 days, from falling short of his goal last year to this year’s championship. The man standing on top of the podium was Kodie, and Raider Nation is proud. Good job, Kodie, James and Octavio. Way to finish with pride and sheer determination.

All these athletes overcame and conquered this year, and I hold them all in high regards. They overcame injuries, new coaches, inexperience and other troubles we will never realize to become winners, champions and the future. A future that looks full of gold and champions.

Congratulations, Kodie Horn, on your state championship, and good luck to the boys’ team this weekend. Put in the work this week and it will pay off Saturday.