Last Monday was Memorial Day, a day to honor and remember those that gave their lives for our country. It is also the day in which the NWAC determines who is the conference champion. However, for the second year in a row there was no champion, no dog pile, no late inning heroics, nothing but a feeling of what could have been.
What could have been.
In 2020 Lower Columbia had a team that was a top contender and would have competed for a 4th straight NWAC title. Everett CC would have fought every game to face off with Lower Columbia and to change the 2019 results. Linn Benton, Spokane, Yakima and other great programs would have had their say in who would be crowned as champion.
It would have been a tournament to remember.
2021 would have been another great tournament. Spokane CC had a pitching staff that would have matched them up against any team in the NWAC. Yakima CC was on an absolute tear to end the season. Lower Columbia’s offense was an absolute beast for any pitcher to face. Everett CC, Bellevue CC, and Edmonds CC all would have been fighting not only for a place in the tournament but for a championship of their own. The competitive South Region would have the opportunity to show just how deep that region is as Mt Hood, Linn Benton, and Lane all would have walked into the postseason ready to compete.
I am thankful that there was a season this year. That games were played and that I got to go out and cover games, but it still doesn’t feel like things were complete. After Lower Columbia’s final World Series game the players all came onto the field to take photos and say goodbye.
It was a nice moment, but to have the final game of the season being played without a trophy and awards being handed out it just wasn’t the same.
I look forward to Memorial Day weekend in 2022. I look forward to hearing the fans cheering, the players celebrating, and just being surrounded by the fun that is the NWAC tournament.