Cougars: Metal Health

In just one calendar year, there are over 400 different observances recognized in the United States. There are various reasons such as cultural events, health awareness, and celebrated holidays.

We all know that Flag Day is observed in June to honor the American flag and show respect for its role as a symbol of national unity and freedom. Flag Day was first celebrated in 1885 in Waubeka, Wisconsin.

Church, Community, and Country

Flag Day - Two for Tuesday

Lesser-known but also celebrated in June is Great Outdoors Month, which promotes outdoor activities and the appreciation of nature.

Nature walk from Howard Park to Cougar Castle.

June is also Dairy Month. (Wisconsin probably started this one, too!) But did you know it is also Dairy Alternative Month? That’s perfect because both traditional and alternative choices can be included and everyone can be celebrated.

Little publicized is that June is also Men’s Mental Health Month. It’s an important period dedicated to increasing visibility to help break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. The cause encourages men to seek help and support when they are struggling.

When faced with a mental crisis, exercise, sports, or reading are all good options in addition to therapy.

In fact, throwing or hitting heavy objects is super therapeutic. It provides a sense of accomplishment, stress relief, a confidence boost, and a release of ever important endorphins.

The Cougars and 16-Inch softball are a perfect outlet for a male support group.

There is not an official Women's Mental Health Month, which is unfortunate. Everyone should have their own month to be represented.

Well, Miranda is not going to wait around for a designated month to improve her strong mental health. She’s a trailblazer and has been hitting and throwing heavy objects for quite some time.

Here she is in junior high shoving the shotput. Look at that form!

She also crushes the Clincher in 16-Inch softball.

When life gets rocky, Miranda puts on the gloves.

Oh, look! Here’s Miranda throwing an ax. Look at her backswing to remove rage.

Let’s look at the rest of that picture - Wow! Julie must be in full rage removal mode. Look at that windup!

Hold on, Miranda is still throwing things. Here she is in a skillet throwing contest at Frontier Days in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Wait! There seems to be something in the genes. Look at Miranda’s Grammy slinging that skillet.

Cheryl was crowned the Skillet Toss Champion! With all that strength, no wonder she is always so happy and well-adjusted.

The Cougars are also trying to also be champions by throwing and swinging hard and heavy items.

We did our best to be strong and throw our weight around on Tuesday.

1st Inning

We started our focused fielding with a double play from Ev to JD to Li’l Rads. Eddy caught a ball in left field that was dropping quickly. In fact, matching his Roman numeral, Edward A. Mahoney V, caught it five times for the third out. Nice work, Five! UBAA down 1-2-3.

Boom worked a walk to start us off. Sam hit a therapeutic thump down the third base line, but we did not plate a run.

Cougars 0 UBAA 0

2nd Inning

Charley easily handled a ground ball and had a terrific throw to Li’l Rads at first base, which was a scene on repeat all night. Ev leaped for a liner for two outs. Charley grasped another grounder and threw it to his Uncle Marc at first base, bookending the inning with outs. It was 1-2-3 once again.

In our swings, JD had a mindful mash to left center. Five smashed the ball and ran hard for a single. No tallies.

Cougars 0 UBAA 0

3rd Inning

The Charley to Marc show continued with another 5-3 out. Big Ball Jimmy used his high school volleyball skills by setting the hot shot up in the air and reeling it in on the rebound. Martini mindfully handled a grounder for the third out. Opponent went down uno, dos, tres.

In our at-bats, Joker led off with an emotional drive to center. Young Ev saw wisdom in Old Joker and did the same. Charley had a focused fling to right center for our first run. Sam hit a deep sac fly to left for tally number two. On a hit and run, Charley took off and Martini perfectly placed the ball over the first baseman's head on the right field line to plate another. JD demolished the ball down the left field line and Jimmy was in the zen zone with a big ball to right for a ribbie. Cougars score four.

Cougars 4 UBAA 0

4th Inning

Nephew and Uncle once again to notch our first out. JD caught a popup for out number two. Ev alleviated our anxiety with a sweet play at SS for out number three. ABC 123 - down in order.

Li’l Rads had a resilient rip between SS and 3B. He was left stranded and had a short walk to his position on defense.

Cougars 4 UBAA 0

5th Inning

In the top of the inning, Mother Nature showed her strength and threw her weight around with a downpour. She made us wait around but her reign was short. The Cougars love our fans and they all braved the weather and provided an emotional shield all night. Our zen defense of third to first had another encore for the first out. JD smothered a hard to handle liner so Ev could grab the out. Martini with a no-brainer grounder to Li’l Rads.

Charley popped positivity between shortstop and shortcenter but no other baserunners.

Cougars 4 UBAA 0

6th Inning

Ev with a popup catch. CRads and Li’l Rads at third and first again for the second out. Ev with a confident catch for the third out. UBAA found strength and had two hits and a run.

We rested and emptied our minds to prepare for the final three outs.

Cougars 4 UBAA 1

7th Inning

Martini with a routine grounder. Five caught a deep ball in left field. Martini ended the stress-free game by catching a fly ball.

Diamond Dave calmly colored the scorebook all game and then declared the Cougars victorious.

Cougars 4 UBAA 1

In every inning of life, positive mental health is a victory for us all.

Pastor Ted preaches, “Love Thy Neighbor,” so we concluded the contest with a handshake line, offering our adversary support and encouragement in their defeat.

It’s important to care for those who struggle, especially our rivals. That’s because the conquering Cougars will continue to throw up rainbows from the dirt, show defensive mettle in the field and wield metal health at the plate, just like in the highlight video.

The Cougars make our opponents crazy.

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HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

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