HIGH SCHOOL: They played like champions

"To play the game is great, to win the game is greater, but the love for the game is the greatest of all."

These words preface John Feinstein’s book The Last Amateurs . They also mirror the emotions that I would like to convey about a group of amateur athletes who I am very proud to say I have spent the season with.

These athletes comprise the Rochester Mayo (Minnesota) High School Girls Basketball team. Mayo fell against a tough opponent in their section final game Friday night, ending a very successful season.

I am a statistician, and I frequently find myself deciphering numbers in an attempt to help the team gain a strategic advantage in any possible.

However, the Rochester Mayo Spartans are a team that could never be adequately represented merely based upon statistics, they have many attributes that are more important then numbers could ever be.

This team has desire, heart and character, and there is no place to list any of these qualities on a stat sheet.

Mayo won the Big Nine conference and was undefeated in their conference during the regular season. The team lacked a true standout player, and instead relied on standout performances from a myriad of players in each game. It is their balance and team attitude that helped bring success to the Spartans. Their 23-2 record is a testament to the commeratorie and teamwork that helped the Mayo achieve so many great things during the 2000-2001 season.

I am sad tonight. For I know that another year has come to an end, and that a new basketball season is many months away. However, I take great pride in the second place medallion that hangs from my neck, which the Spartans so valiantly fought for.

I am proud to have been associated with such a fantastic team this year. A group of girls that left their hearts on the court after every game, the Rochester Mayo Spartans exhibited a love for the game, which is a testament not only to who they are as players, but people as well.

When I am asked about this past year, and of the Rochester Mayo Girls Basketball team, I will smile, and proudly proclaim:

They Played Like Champions