The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 19, Milford, Kosciusko County, 22 June 1988 — Page 8
THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., June 22,1988
8
Sp o rts
Knepper draws strength through storms
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This year Bob Knepper has received as much publicity on his Christian F v iews as baseball accomplishments. Knepper, in the following story, shares his thoughts on life in the only way he knows — honestly and lovingly.)
HI i V r J 808 KNEPPER
Golf News
BIG BOULDER The Big Boulder Belles' Wednesday morning league challenged June 15 in its “Beat the Pro.” Net scores were used by league players with the pro’s gross score counting. Evelyn* Orn took first place, while Jean Niles was second and Leatrice Rapp was third. The ladies league will be sponsoring a mixed couples scrambl-
.< Il * I* f| -z# Rmhl B zJkW ffll <. Wi mm*" —9 9 3g-~ ‘— . e, , .aHggCF S <«- . dflfe ir T * .9: ' . "X ,V- .• ? , V I 4 fl P BOUNCING BALLS — Wawasee conducted its girls’ basketball camp last week In the varsity gym. Pictured above are two campers — Christa Dippon and Yen Tran. The pair are working on their dribbling in this exercise. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)
Strike one up for Bob Knepper. The Houston Astros pitcher has coasted through a story-book season this year, winning seven times in eight decisions. But the fairy tale year has featured a couple of stormy gales. First it was the Pam Postema episode — Knepper speaking out
ed Saturday, June 25. Tee-off time is 4 p.m. with a potluck following play. NEW PARIS Guest Winners Low Gross Lucy White, Emma Souder Low Net Leatrice Rapp, Linda Stump Low Putts Gena Goodrich
about women’s role in society. Postema, a minor league umpire the past several years, was looking for a promotion during spring training and was assigned to call balls and strikes in a game involving the Astros. Knepper was one of Houston’s pitchers that day. There were no flare-ups during the game. Knepper threw strikes, Postema called them. Following the pitcher’s stint on the mound, however, an explosion occurred. Perhaps it was heard around the world. True to form, Knepper shared his beliefs in Jesus Christ and how that affects every aspect of life. Media hovering around Knepper accepted this stance, not his position that women shouldn’t be in authority over men. ” luMK Knepper based his convictions from the Bible — his blueprint for living. Women all over the world awoke in harmony to offer insight to the Houston athlete. Needless to say, he’s wasn’t very popular with the female gender. “The issue really wasn’t woman umpires or women’s role in society. It was that I have chosen to live my life as dedicated to the scriptures as I understand them as possible,” admitted Knepper, a tenderhearted individual. “There’s no doubt I felt a lot of pain from this event. Seeing how it hurt my wife was very hard, but in the long run, it’s been a character builder.” Knepper survived the storm. ? Enter Knepper’s second controversial discussion with media members. In a recent Sports Illustrated article, Knepper made cutting remarks about the National Organization of Women, calling
Member Winners A Flight, Gross Ist Sherry Shank, 2nd Betty 3rd Rhonda Her- ( shberger. A Flight, Net Ist Ruth Rohrer, 2nd Mary Lou Lambert, 3rd Bernice Miller. B Flight, Gross Ist Sandy Coy, 2nd June Lantz, 3rd Bertha Lehman.
them names not worthy of mention. What he said went over like a wild pitch with the game-winning run on third base. Not well. He later apologized for his comments about NOW. Eating words is difficult, for anyone. Knepper admitted his mistake, demonstrating sincere remorse for his statement. Both incidents have given Knepper a poor self-image base. Understandably so. When individuals are transparent — like Knepper — and willing to share their views, regardless of opposition, they expect to be attacked. Not everyone believes the same way. If Knepper never knew that before, he certainly does now! But the Houston pitcher seems undaunted by the overwhelming lack of support through the events. Women organizations have attacked the outspoken pitcher in recent days. One wonders if there’s any relief in sight. Even his wife, Teri, has publicly disagreed with his statement about the National Organization of Women. Nevertheless, she still supports him through the stormy adventure. Persecution is nothing new to Knepper. In his first few years in the big leagues Knepper experienced a similar spring training experience with the San Francisco Giants. Twice since, not including this year, Knepper has drawn wrath from people across the country because of his beliefs. “In San Francisco, I wasn’t ready „to handle the situation, it really blew me away,” recalled Knepper. “I became a recluse because I was a real naive Christian and didn’t realize there was hatred in the world for Christians.” Realizing the hatred that exists in the western world hasn’t detoured Knepper from sharing what he believes in his heart. He doesn’t think it should. Instead, he studies the scripture with more diligence to learn the ways of God. That’s the
B Flight, Net Ist Sara Speckman, 2nd Stella Heckaman, 3rd Mary Young. C Flight, Gross Ist Jean Tom, 2nd Ruth Banta, 3rd Cheri Holmes. C Flight, Net Ist Phyllis Miller, 2nd Mary Road, 3rd Opal leonard. D Flight, Gross Ist Doreen Cripe, 2nd Judy Kausal, 3rd Fern Fervida. D Flight, Net Ist Fern Neff, 2nd Bette Dawson, 3rd Mary Lou Jesse Low Putts — Helen Hoyt. MAXWELTON Maxwelton’s ladies league played “Blind Partners" in last weeks regular action. Rosie Lantz and Sandy Conner won the 18-hole competition with Marg Heckaman and Lori Welty placing second. In nine-hole action, Inez
Goshert, staff accept price tag
Is anything free anymore? The obvious answer is yes, of course there is! But studying this subject in detail, there seems to be more negative answers than positive. Let’s study the subject. What once was free now costs something, whether monetarily, our time, or possessions.
Mark My Words MARK WEINSTEIN fl
For example, think back to the days when air was free, air that we put into out automobile and bike tires. Now, in more instances than not, it costs a quarter to use someone’s air. That doesn’t seem fair at all. We are not evening paying the individual that patented air. Life isn’t fair .certainly with air. The only subject I believe is
motivating force behind the pitcher — knowing God and making him known. “I still believe strongly what I said in spring training — the important thing is I am going to live my life for Christ,” said Knepper. “If it costs me some heat, pain, that’s not really important. It doesn’t matter what it costs me, I was bought with a price. It’s sad that more Christian’s are not willing to pay that price.” Unlike in San Francisco where Knepper had trouble standing on his feet because of the pressure, the recent episodes have given him a glimnse of the iov of eternity. His life in Jesus Christ has become solid as a rock. “I am glad God has given Teri and I a glimpse of things because we are better able to handle the pressures and prepare our children for the coming years,” added Knepper. “We are to train our children as God desires. That’s opposite of what we learn today.” Through all of the off-the-field publicity, Knepper continues to shine on the diamond. He’s one of the best pitchers in the National League, evident by his 2.12 earned run average, second in the senior circuit. Knepper is not overly impressed “There’s very little in baseball that is Christian,” said the insightful Knepper. “My first priority is I am a Christian, I just happen to earn my living playing baseball. My Christian ethics have to supersede anything in the baseball world.” Still, the Houston pitcher has blended winning and Christian values into his career. Compromise is not in Knepper’s vocabulary. “Baseball doesn’t care how you play, the bottom line is winning at all costs,” said Knepper. “If you are doing great, the press makes you out to be a great hero. If you are dumb enough, you’ll believe you’re great because you are winning games." Knepper desires to be great. Not in baseball, but in the Kingdom of God.
Beiswanger took low gross honors while June Lantz had low net and Leia Smiley, low putts. Solina selected cheerleader VINCENNES - Chris Solina, a 1988 Wawasee High School graduate, has been named to the Vincennes University cheerleading squad for the upcoming year. The announcement was made last week and includes a partial scholarship for Solina. Solina participated in Wawase'e’s cheerleading program last year as a lifter. He also played varsity football for the Warriors. * He plans on studying engineering at Vidcennes with thoughts of finishing his academic studies at Purdue. Vincennes is a junior college.
free today is water —at a You can dismiss this thought restaurant. But then again, the from your mind, it’s a lost comowners probably charge for the modity. generally-clear liquid by adding Wawas ee head basketball a fee to the meal. Owners must coach Gary Goshert is presently take care of themselves, they f ee |j n g the effects of a high price must cover the cost of potatoes. t for success with his Warrior In a more intangible matter baske tball team. Not that he winning certainly has a high doesn’t enjoy the work, but he is price tag associated with its realizing the price involved in name. The days are over when producing a quality basketball athletic teams relax during their team off-season, then win championships Goshert will conduct basketball
Klaban wins Wawasee Regatta
The annual Wawasee E-Scow open regatta, sponsored this year by Seagram’s distilleries and hosted by the Wawasee Boating Association and the Wawasee Yacht Club, was held this past weekend with twenty five boats and sailors from five states participating. Saturday’s wind was very light and allowed only one slow and quiet race which was won by Tom Klaban of Indian Lake Ohio. The weather was, however, perfect for about 250 people who attended the not so slow-and-quiet regatta cook-out/party Saturday evening on the lawn of the Herdrich Cottage on Natti Crow Beach. Entertainment was furnished by Buddy Meiges, famous skipper of the 12 meter “Heart of America” in the recent America’s r T ’’nils in Perth,
MB- Ah AxaF ftfl F J® A r ?> w F T'Tk' w * * -'U J CHAMPIONS — Milford’s girls’ all-star team had little trouble winning the Mermaid Festival softball tournament last weekend. Pictured above are members of the winning team. Kneeling in front, from left, are Kelly Boggs, Bobbie Haab, Suzanne Schwartz, Becky Haab, and Shonda Bushong. Standing in the second row, from left, are Lisa Miller, Mindy Beatty, Mel Hobbs, Lisa Mikel, Trisha Mikel and Shantel Miller. Standing in back are coaches Bonnie and Gems Nicoli. Not pictured were Betsey Henderson and Trisha Hostetler.
Trimboli resigns WHS posts
SYRACUSE - Wawasee High School’s football program lost its second varsity assistant coach this week when Joe Trimboli submitted his resignation to school officials. Earlier this year, Jim Jones resigned to take the head football position at Fairfield. Trimboli has taught in the high school’s history department for several years. During his tenure in the classroom, Trimboli served as varsity assistant to Myron Dickerson on the gridiron.
Mills wins state championship
INDIANAPOLIS - Alyson Mills captured the girls’ 1,500and 800-meter state championship Friday, June 17. The runner in the 9-10 age group added a second place in the 400-meter run. Mills won the 1,500 with an impressive 5:52 clocking. She crossed the finish line in the 800 in 2:55 and finished in :82 in the 400. Meanwhile, three other area runners placed in the state meet. Aaron Kryder was third in the boys’ (11-12) 800-meter race with a 2:51 time. He placed fourth in the 400-meter and fifth in the long jump. Scott Wheat was third in the 1.500- race with a 5:04 time. He was fourth in the 3,000-meter race in the 13-14 age group with a 11:20 time. Jutftin Daugherty was the final Syracuse-area runner placing in the competition. He was fourth in the boys’ 11-12 group of the 1.500- He finished in 5:49. Daughtery closed his effort with a third place finish in the 3,000-meter. The young runner closedin 11:48.
Australia . . . and by Wawasee’s own part time E-Scow crew and Rock and Roll band, “THE REDUNDANTS” who are famous all the way from Milford to Cromwell for their enthusiasm if not their talent. Nobody pulled the plug on the P.A., the beer held out and everybody had a good time. Two races were sailed Sunday morning with much better wind conditions and with the out-of-towners continuing to win over the Wawasee sailors who are just beginning to gain experience in the fast, sporty and tricky EScows. The locals were however, nipping at the heels of the favorites and were much stronger competitors than last year. It appears that Wawasee scow sailors, who almost instant-
He will accept the Mishawaka High School assistant principal’s position when the Mishawaka School Board approves his contract. Trimboli will assume no coaching positions in Mishawaka. “In this profession, coaching, people are always on the move. You expect changes,” Dickerson about Trimbolis departure. “I wish him the best of luck. He’s in a very fine school
All four runners qualified for the TAC/USA region seven meet July 10 at Purdue University. Milford wins Mermaid tourney NORTH WEBSTER — Milford’s girls’ all-star team had little trouble scoring runs in the 43rd Mermaid Festival softball tournament. The lusty offensive attack, which plated 70 runs, gave the squad the tournament championship. Milford opened the tournament with an 18-4 thumping over Fairfield. The game was called after five innings. The Milford squad needed six innings in its second game to defeat Pierceton, 19-7. The two teams squared off in Sunday’s championship contest. However, it proved no contest. Milford’s potent offense plated 33 runs in the lopsided 33-8 triumph over Pierecton.
camps throughout the summer at Wawasee, supervise the Warriors’ open-gym nights and serve .as driver’s education instructor. It appears he’s busier now than when school is in session. He’s not the only coach in this situation, just a prime example with his summer duties. Still, with Goshert, he is willing to pay to price for success, on and off the court. It is plainly clear that his players are important to
ly have developed the largest EScow fleet in the nation, have a good shot at becoming a recognized force in the midwest by perhaps the 1990 or ‘9l season. Gold Fleet: Only 3 points separated 2nd and 7th among 15 of these more experienced racers. 1. Tom Klaban, Indian Lake, Ohio 2. Roger Carlson, Lake Springfield, Illinois 3. John Call, Wawasee 4. E.c. Haas, Lake Springfield, Illinois 5. George Snook, Wawasee 6. Chuck Medlock, Wawasee 7. Mike Rian, Indianapolis Sailing Club (Continued on page 11)
■K. . ws. Wk • '■’’’r JOE TRIMBOLI ’ Vj.-x : '■ r . • system and has a very fine position.” Trimboli is out of town and unavailable for comment. In related news, Wawasee Community School Corporation hired two teachers, also filling voids in the Warriors’ football staff. Troy Akers, formerly defensive coordinator at Churubusco, and Tom Dickerson, defensive back coach at Fort Wayne Wayne, will join the WHS staff. Akers 1 will teach in the high school and Dickerson at North Webster. Women's tourney at Columbia City There will be a Women’s'Softball Tourney on July 2 and 3 at Morsche’s Park in Columbia City. For more information call 244-3883 or 244-3384.
him, he has devoted himself to helping them develop. Whether the Warriors win conference championships, sectional crowns or state titles during Goshert’s tenure at Wawasee is insignificant. It would be nice for everyone connected with the school. Perhaps frosting on Wawasee’s cake. What is important is the Wawasee coach, and his staff, are dedicated to raising young men in a quality manner. In that light, the price can never be too high.
SATURDAY • OUTLAW SUPER LATE MODELS • SPORTSMEN • STREET STOCKS T.T.6P.M. RACING 8 P.M. NEW PARIS SPEEDWAY NEW PARIS, IN