Spring is Here

The end of high school wrestling season means we move on to the next things.  More wrestling for Owen - one more High School National Tournament coming up, then freestyle.  Owen has elected to not even practice with track this year.  But hopefully we can still make it to a meet to watch.  After this weekend, we will switch completely to freestyle.  He has been invited to go to Mizzou's RTC weekly training sessions.  That will be a good workout, I assume.  In the meantime, he has switched his wrestling partner to Bryce.  Watching these two continue to grow and get better will never get old.

Four years makes a big difference.

Spring 2022 on top, Spring 2026 on the bottom.

CWC annual alum day during the week prior to youth state.

I think it's great that these older kids want to keep going back.

I don't know all of them in the picture this year, but Bryce and Owen are on the left end.

Bryce and Owen continue to push each other.

Owen keeps telling me that Bryce is so heavy... well yes, he is, compared to Max.

At least they look like they're having fun.

Kyle even got a workout in.

When I take Owen, it means Nick can't, so I get to see him wrestle.

It's crazy that they already leave this week for Virginia Beach.  Weigh-ins are Thursday afternoon/evening, and wrestling begins Friday morning at 8am ET.  The limit for the number of wrestlers in just the sophomore division is 1350.  That is an average of just under 100 wrestlers per weight class in just that age group.  Owen might have a lot of wrestling ahead of him this week... hopefully.  Nick and Owen are going with Peter Heyen and his dad.  Bryce and his dad are also driving out to compete.  I think they will all have a great time.  

Mizzou Softball

Since my last update, Mizzou has had 3 weekends of home games, and Gracie has had limited appearances in games, but is living her best life, nonetheless.  It is so great being able to watch her live out her dream on a team that she has wanted to be part of for so long.

Cheering on her teammates

Getting a high 5 from her academic coordinator, Kellyn

Looks like a mean mug

Having fun with her team

Aces freshies with their former teammates, Kali and Ella

Kali and Ella came to cheer them on during the first home tournament.

During the first home series, we were 2-2, losing to the same team twice.  Then they traveled back to Florida for the SEC opener.

Doing her duties with the team at a Mizzou Men's basketball game

Got a W

First chartered trip

Destination: Gainesville

Nick and I did not make that trip, but Deb was there to support.

Gracie got another opportunity for an at-bat in Gainesville, but didn't come away with a hit.

Back at home for bye-week games

North Dakota, Minnesota, ISU.

Mizzou came away with 4 wins that weekend.

She played in the 2nd game against North Dakota

Went in to the last inning to catch and we ended up run ruling them, so she didn't get an at-bat.

Blocking

She gets to be a part of this

The three catchers on the team.

Gracie's roomie, Jaley, is on the left and is still working her way back from her injury.

National Anthem I think???

Having fun again with teammates

Gracie, Linny, Rylee, Avery

Last week, the team made their way over to Illinois for a mid-week doubleheader in Champaign.  They came away with two wins, which was great.  Nick drove over to watch, and I watched from my office.

Youth day signing autographs

This was after the first game of the Alabama series.

Getting a ride from Nick after the game.

Brian Forrester is the photobomber in the back.

Andrea sent this to me

Saturday vs  Alabama

So many people came to watch this game - the berm is full!

We got the W! 

Here we are, so proud of our girl in the background!

Warming up the pitcher.

Warming up the pitcher again during the Sunday rubber match game against Alabama.

We ended up dropping this series, but we are so close.  It was so fun to get that win against a ranked team on Saturday!

Here is Gracie's first collegiate at-bat and hit from back in February.

I can't believe this has been over a month ago!

It is going way too fast.

During the 2nd home weekend a couple weeks ago, my whole family came to watch and they got to see Gracie play in her first game at Mizzou softball stadium!

It was a pretty nice day and the berm was perfect for Annie's family to enjoy!

Love my sister!

Then there was this...

Early in the week.

Later in the week it was almost 90 degrees.

This is March in Missouri, I guess.

So, here we are, spring break 2026.  Over halfway through the spring semester.  We are going places, just not in the same direction. This week, Nick is going to the East Coast, and I'm going down south. Softball has been a whirlwind, and it is a lot.  I have seen for the past ten years how much is demanded of the student-athletes at this level and it is real.  Every sport. It is just so hard.  I don't think anyone understands it or is prepared for it until it is actually a lived experience. They need so much support, and I do my best to support as many student-athletes as I can.  Especially that young 17-year-old on the softball team.  They are going through it, and it challenges the best of them in every way possible. Every day.  I just want them all to remember that they are enough and they can do hard things.  They have people who love and support them, always.