Just for a moment, forget about wins and losses: Lets focus on sportsmanship and keeping a positive attitude.
With so much emphasis on winning in sports, the Russellville girls basketball team and head coach David Volkart continue to show class and dignity, even through a tough, rebuilding season.
With only three seniors and no juniors on the varsity roster, Volkart expected growing pains, but to his credit, the Lady Indians never stop hustling and never quit. Win, lose or draw, his players fight until the bitter end.
Russellville showed its determination against Prairie Home on Friday, Jan. 23. The Lady Panthers, who entered the game with a 10-3 record, got all they could handle from Russellville, which entered with a 3-13 record.
Prairie Home was victorious, 49-45, but the Lady Indians kept it close the entire game. Refusing to lose its confidence, Russellville raced to a 16-10 lead in the first quarter. Prairie Home went ahead in the final period, but the Lady Indians gave 100 percent until the closing buzzer.
After the game, Volkart hugged one of his seniors and offered words of encouragement. That senior, Justice Miller, appeared heartbroken with the final score, proving the Lady Indians still care, regardless of their record.
Granted, I'm not in the locker room when Volkart delivers his pregame and postgame speeches, and he's probably expressed frustration at times, but the veteran coach provides a calming influence for his team. Despite their struggles, his players continue to improve and learn from their mistakes.
With a talented sophomore class developing, there will be better days ahead for Russellville. But don't expect Volkart, or his Lady Indians, to throw in the towel and stop battling, especially seniors Haley Windsor, Adrianna Basnett and Miller.
Whether a team wins 20 games - or zero - in the regular season, each school participates at districts. Once you get in a tournament setting, it's not always the "best" team that wins. Sometimes, it's the "hottest" team.
The Lady Indians will continue to work hard in practice and play each game like its their last. Through thick and thin, the girls from Russellville will still lace up their sneakers.
As a sports journalist, it's nice to write about wins and winning teams...but sometimes, it's refreshing to spotlight winning attitudes, even if it comes with a losing record. Volkart cares about his players and wants to keep their spirits high, even in tough times.
Russellville can still improve this season, and possibly make a run in districts, but either way, the Lady Indians should be proud. Staying positive through a losing season is much harder than celebrating a winning one.