Giggling and tears both call for a quick mock-CPR as 7th grade Badgers celebrate their victory. Inset photo: Coach Vickie Mullen and center Katy Teare share a hug after the long game (Mullen photos).
By Coaches Chuck and Vickie Mullen
Part One of Two Parts
The 2006, 2007 and now 2008 Bear Mountain League Champions are once again from El Tejon School. The 7th grade girls took their Southern Division Championship into the playoffs against the McFarland Bulldogs and LaVina Eagles from Delano on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Lincoln Junior High in Taft. Both northern teams came in with impressive records but both left with a better understanding of how this small, mountain school remained undefeated throughout the regular season.
Our girls, who all season woke well before dawn to strap on their shoes for early morning practices before school, were rewarded with another championship.
The parents who arranged their work schedules all season to see their kids play week-in and week-out were rewarded with an emotional, post-championship display of genuine gratitude from their kids. "I would have been just as proud of these girls if they had lost, but I am sure happy to see them get what I knew they deserved," Head Coach Vickie Mullen said proudly.
Next week, See the blow-by-blow story of a cliffhanger championship game.
This is part of the February 29, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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