Trip to state tourney a quick one

For those interested in local sports, this has been one busy week.

While preparations for the annual basketball preview got under way, there were games to be played and roads to travel.

After watching the DHS volleyball team roll through the district, region and sub-state competition over the last couple of weeks, dreams were realized when the squad earned the right to travel to Murfreesboro for the state tournament.

With much anticipation of seeing how the squad stacked up against the rest of the state, the bags were packed, the golf clubs were loaded and the trip to the 'Boro began with high hopes.

I guess it's fair to say I could've left the truck running outside the Murphy Center.

Certainly no disrespect toward the Lady Trojan squad I have grown so fond of, but once you cross the Tennessee River volleyball reaches a different level as the DHS squad, as well as myself, found out on Wednesday.

Prior to the first match of the tourney involving the local squad, the opponent (Chattanooga Christian) didn't appear all that menacing. Moments into the first set there wasn't any question trouble was on the horizon.

While the Lady Trojans had earned the right to be at the tournament, the pace of the game was far quicker than what the squad was used to seeing. Perhaps overwhelmed is too strong of a word, but Dyersburg hadn't faced a team close to the caliber of the two teams faced at the tournament.

Though the squad was ousted from the tourney in six straight sets, a valuable lesson was learned. If the program wants to play at the level seen in Murfreesboro, there is a lot of work to be done.

Again, no disrespect intended, but for those unable to attend the event, some of the laser kills I was used to seeing paled in comparison to some seen at the Murphy Center.

Talking to coach Sarah Morris afterward, though the disappointment was something she couldn't hide, I got the feeling the 2009 tourney will not be the last for the program. Admittedly a fan of the game now, hopefully next year more games will be played throughout the season against better opponents to get the squad ready for the big dance, and a longer stay.

In any case, though the adrenaline rush ended much too soon, I'll be watching and ready for another trip to the big dance. A load of talent returns next season and maybe I'll get the chance to turn the motor off and enjoy 18 holes before heading back to the 'Burg, not to mention an extra day at the Murphy Center.

Ending the season feeling like you could have done better will hurt for a minute, but realizing you were the first team in school history to make it to the dance is something to be proud of. Congrats on a splendid season, ladies!

While the football season came to an end for the Choctaws Friday night, the Trojans snapped a losing skid and will get the chance to play another day. Thank goodness, the feeling of frustration was at an all-time high and writing words of despair and being negative was certainly out of the ordinary.

Though making no apologies for past comments, I've realized that at times my emphasis on winning might get a bit out of hand and brings out the venom I try so hard to hold in.

Though honestly not knowing whether or not the Trojan football team wanted the season to continue, on Friday night during the slip-n-slide show at J.C. Sawyers stadium the answer was a resounding yes.

The squad is talented, healthy and seemingly ready to go as the playoffs get under way. Though not sure how many more weeks before planning will begin on the annual banquet, but effort and the want-to go a long way toward winning as the squad found out on Friday.

Regardless of the opponent, play the game like it's your last and do it with class. After all, it's just a game and there's lots of life to live after the game has ended.

Your comments are welcome at msmith@stategazette.com