wiaa

Many of us athletes have experienced delays or even cancellations during our sporting events at least once in our careers, it’s almost like a rite of passage. These interruptions can happen for a bunch of reasons, but let’s be honest: it usually comes down to the weather, and those of us in Washington know how unpredictable our weather here can be! Just recently, on day two of the WIAA slowpitch softball state tournament, we were hit with a big downpour. The fields turned into mini lakes, making them completely unplayable, and unfortunately, this resulted in a much dreaded delay. When situations like this happen, emotions are at an all-time high. Athletes are eager to jump back in and play, and parents and fans are just as eager to cheer on and support them, and everyone has the same question: “When are we going to be able to play again?”. The WIAA staff understands these emotions, and most of them have played sports and know just how important the game can be to the athletes, but people often don’t understand what goes on behind the scenes during these stressful times, and I myself was one of them up until this event.

As a member of the WIAA LEAP committee, I get the privilege of helping out at WIAA state events, and although I am not a softball player, I decided that the state slowpitch tournament was an event I would love to help with! I have been to WIAA state events before, but never got to see the behind-the-scenes stuff, so it was definitely a unique experience when I received a call from my advisor, Bryn, the day of the event, telling me there was a rain delay and games might not even be happening at all. My first thought was how all the athletes must be feeling. Today could’ve been the biggest game of their season, and for some, maybe even the last, and for there to be a chance that these games could just not happen was disappointing, and I wasn’t even one of the athletes competing! Bryn told me to meet her, another WIAA staff member, Teagan, and LEAP member Ava for lunch, where we would figure out the game plan. So there we were, corner booth at Buffalo Wild Wings, computers out, emails open, just trying to figure out what we were going to do to make this experience the most successful with the circumstances we were dealing with. When I imagined crisis control for the WIAA, I couldn’t tell you much, but I know for sure my vision did not include Buffalo Wild Wings.

During this time, we all brainstormed ideas, while of course eating wings. Two of the teams that were supposed to compete that day for 3A, Mt Spokane and University, were both from Spokane Washington, where me and Ava are located, and we threw around the idea of moving their game back to Spokane sometime during the following day or week, to try and eliminate the idea of the teams having to purchase another night of hotels if games could not resume that same day. In the end, that was not needed but It would’ve been nice to have Ava and I close to help out! During our lunch debrief, one of the softball teams, as well as the tournament referees, also came into Buffalo Wild Wings to have some lunch, and it was great to see them making the best out of the situation they were in and still having a good time!

After lots of ideas were thrown around, and seeing the rain wasn’t supposed to stop anytime soon, we recognised that there wasn’t much we could do besides wait it out. So, in case the games really were cancelled for good that weekend, we decided to start some cleanup at the venue. This included taking down almost all of our “state” signage on the fences and sponsorship banners as well. After the cleanup was done, it was already late in the afternoon, so I had to start my drive back to Spokane, as well as Ava. During my drive, the rain cleared up and it was announced that both championship games would be played that evening at a different venue, immediately following each other, while all other remaining consolation teams would share third place. This was definitely disappointing for some, but at the end of the day the championship games happened and we got to award state champs!

Overall, this experience was great! I got to see what really happens on the logistical side of delays and cancellations, and now have a better perspective to take when and if I am ever in a delay and I’m the one competing. I also got to know my fellow LEAP member, Ava, way better after working together to navigate the challenges of the day that kept getting thrown at us. It was great to bond over the shared experience of problem-solving and supporting the athletes and coaches when neither of us had been in this position before. This experience has truly opened my eyes to the behind-the-scenes work in our WIAA events that often goes unnoticed, but is very vital. I’m really excited to carry this knowledge with me, especially when it comes to recognising all the hard work that goes into making these competitions happen, even when we face challenges. This experience has really strengthened my belief in the importance of teamwork, understanding, and adaptability, all skills that are just as important in life as they are in sports! I can’t wait to come back next time and share this fresh perspective!