Cougars: Running Around in Circles

Who knew there were so many parallels between NASCAR and the Cougars?

Unlike many sports such as basketball, baseball, football and hockey, NASCAR kicks off each new season with its biggest event of the year in warm and sunny Daytona Beach.

The first game of a Wilmette softball season has the same energy. After months of living in a deep freeze, the Cougars warm up for a spring and summer of racing around the bases.

The Daytona 500, otherwise known as "The Super Bowl of NASCAR," is the first and biggest race on the NASCAR schedule.

In the Cougars first and biggest game of the season, we played five-time defending champion Miller Time.

Winning the Daytona 500 is important because it will secure a driver a spot in the playoffs.

Winning the opening night of softball season is important because it will secure the Cougars a spot in the playoffs. (Well, truth be told, a loss will secure us a spot in the playoffs too.)

As a seven-time NASCAR Cup Champion, Dale Earnhardt finally won the Daytona 500 after 20 years of trying.

As a one-time Wilmette Softball Champion, the Cougars finally beat Miller Time after 10 years of trying.

After a NASCAR driver wins the opening race, he will continue the season racing in circles.

After the Cougars big win on opening night, we have continued the season running around in circles...but not scoring enough runs.

Since winning our Daytona 500, we have been:

- Wrecked by the Tappers 12-1

- Wiped-out by Pitches 6-4

- Demolished by Old School 24-5 (I blew a gasket at that game)

- Beat by Chicken Shack in a photo finish 9-8

- Smashed by Clyde May’s 14-9

Like Earnhardt in his glory days, next week we are going to be The Intimidator and pull out of the pits, turn the corner, and race to the checkered flag.