A perfect end for a special year
It’s been a long time since I last took in a football game at Camp Randall in Madison, and the last time I did, the game left a sour taste in my mouth. I had to see the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeat the Badgers to take home the Paul Bunyon Axe for the first time in 15 years.
Thankfully, after last week, I have a phenomenal memory to replace that one. Last week I was back in Madison, and this time on the very turf of Camp Randall. I was on hand to cover the Colby Hornets football team and their battle for the WIAA D-6 state title game against the Fond du Lac St. Mary’s Springs Ledgers.
The Ledgers have treated Camp Randall as their home away from home, making a state record 13th appearance in a title game. This was essentially the Ledgers fourth straight appearance after COVID-19 guidelines cancelled last year’s postseason and state tournament.
Colby is no stranger to the big stage, and their first trip to state since 2011 was the programs’s sixth overall. Head coach Jim Hagen has been there multiple times as an assistant, and his leadership was integral to the outcome. Indeed, there’s a lot of people working behind the scenes to make a state title possible.
Coach Hagen knows this, and he’s been quick to deflect any praise. In fact, he was more eager to talk about his assistant coaches and his players than himself. Like he said, it takes a team to win a state title, and this year’s team was special.
It’s led by 16 seniors, and a deep junior class, and they took care of business in Madison. Oh sure, there were a few nerves as they walked on the field at Camp Randall. That’s not surprising considering the sheer size of the stadium and the history behind it. But from the start of the game to the end, the Hornets dominated the proceedings.
As their reporter, it took all my control not to cheer after every big play, or wince when the Hornets gave up a rare big play. I didn’t have to worry too much, though, not with Colby up 20-7 at the break.
That I was even there was a blessing. Two weeks before I was sick with COVID-19, and had to miss the Durand game. As I walked the sidelines of Camp Randall, the Colby faithful, especially the student body, told me how happy they were to see me back taking pictures.
As for the game itself, the boys played like titans. They did not let the Ledgers’ legacy and history intimidate them, and their determination and willingness to put in the work in the offseason was extraordinary. They earned this title, and they did it with hard work and grit.
Far more than the play, I was also impressed with their sportsmanship. Andrew Jeske would make a tackle, and then pick up the Ledgers QB. Brandon Voelker would pull a jersey back over a Ledgers’ pads.
I’ll be sad to see the senior class leave, but I’m glad to see them go out in the best possible way. After not having much of a season last year because of COVID-19, to see Colby return home with the gold ball is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
So thank you to the coaches and players and families for letting me take part in this wonderful, magical season. And, with any luck, we might be taking that trip again. Anything can happen when you dare to dream.
M USINGS AND G RUMBLINGS
ROSS PATTERMANN R EPORTER
