Humidity and the Hoops: Girl's Basketball Shootout

Galesburg Girl's Basketball Summer Shootout
7/6/10

I love the heat. I love the humidity. I really dislike air conditioning, and surely, I'm in the minority when it comes to those three statements! I would prefer to sit outside, sweating and soaking in the rays, than be cooped up inside, windows closed, and fake cool air blowing on me, causing runny noses and headaches.

This year, I made a vow to not install my window air conditioner units until it was unbearable to sleep. During the day, there is no reason for the air, but at night....when I get a few precious hours of sleep, it's better that it's not interrupted by tossing, turning, and sweating. And so, the night of July 5th, little sleep was attained due to the heat and humidity. July 6th, the following day, would be Air Conditioner Day, the first day of 2010 that I would turn the unit on.

Humidity, heat, and hoops are not a good combination. When I stepped out of the office into the glorious world of humidity (crazy, I know...I must have had a great childhood experience in sweltering heat and humidity), it slammed into me like a brick wall. Likewise, when walking from the outside, into John Thiel Gymnasium, it was even hotter and humider (I know...not a word).

Galesburg was facing Davenport Assumption (IA) in a game shortly after 4:00, with Washington and Hoffman Estates on the other court. I missed the first half of this session, talking business about the upcoming football broadcast season. The Streaks would pull out a win, and I was able to grab a couple videos...two to be exact.

In the 5:00 session, there was a junior high game and a fresh/soph game, so I walked over to Jim Sundberg Field. The Galesburg American Legion Post 285 was hosting Brimfield in a doubleheader. First pitch was set for 5:30, so I was a little early.

I grabbed the lineup, and just as the teams were getting set to take the field, a flash of lightning and a roar of thunder came overhead. An automatic 30-minute delay was instituted, and the rain was falling. I walked in the rain, quickly, back over to the gym.

The 5:50 session featured Galesburg back in action against Washington, and Morton facing Assumption on the other court. I was able to get a few videos from the GHS/Washington game, and a video from Morton/Assumption.

Jimmie Carr was in the house, so I spent the rest of my time talking basketball with him and Galesburg sophomore coach Mike Rux. Most of our conversation was geared toward Galesburg High School basketball, but we also spent some time talking about the high talent level in the Peoria schools once again this year.

Following the 5:50 session, the next games were fresh/soph contests, so I packed up and headed back over to the baseball diamond. I threw in a mouthful of chili lime sunflower seeds and walked on in.

It was in the 5th inning, and Galesburg held a 15-2 lead on Brimfield in the first game of a twinbill. Brimfield was batting with one out. One hitter reached on an infield single, but that was it. Post 285 got the next two out, and would add another win to the column. I was pondering on staying for the first couple innings of the nightcap, but it was a 20-minute wait, and I had some chores back home that needed done before nightfall. I was cutting it close.

With the time spent on covering events today (almost 4 hours), I have little to show for it. Barely any notes, and just six videos from the basketball shootout. Looking for a more worthwhile Wednesday!