The Burrall Blog – Happy Time for Dogie Hoops

3/8/09 – 5:50 PM

OK, so it isn’t quite as happy as last year, when both the Lady Dogies and Dogies made the 3A state tournament.  But it’s never sad when you can make plans to spend a few days in early March in Casper.

The Dogie boys’ performance this weekend at the 3A East Regional in Buffalo is quite a turnaround from how the regular season ended, which was with 6 losses in 7 games.  The stifling defense returned, and so did contributions from others besides the two big guys.  It led to what will be a fourth straight appearance at State for Newcastle, and Allen Von Eye has now led his teams to the last weekend in his first three seasons as head coach.  That’s quite an achievement.

And for the Lady Dogies, they kept at it through a very difficult season, which included all sorts of injuries.  That included, most unfortunately, another ACL tear for Taylor Farella.  But, Taylor just can’t stand being away from the court or field.  She sought permission to play, and after being told by the doctor who operated on her knee last summer that she couldn’t do much more damage, she played on Thursday against Glenrock, much to our surprise, then played again on Friday as Wheatland ended Newcastle’s season.  After that knee is repaired again, Taylor will run track at the University of Mary.  Newcastle’s loss will be the Marauders’ gain of a determined and courageous young lady.

And to you Dogie fans:  You’re amazing.  Do you realize how highly other fans and school administrators speak of you?  You cheer on your team without insulting fans of other schools.  The teams know you’re there, and they are very much appreciative.  A great example happened on Friday when the Lady Dogies lost to Wheatland.  Any other team that finished 5-19 might have left to scattered applause or outright indifference.  Instead, the Lady Dogies left to a standing ovation.  Well done.  You are a credit to our community, and I’m sure you will be again in Casper.  See you there.