Winning Attitude

We saw some young competitors today that sure make winning look easy.

Early this afternoon, Carter and I trekked down to Adams to see our next-door neighbor (his classmate Madison) play in a softball tournament. Their team -- Rapids Rage -- won the state title a few weeks back but continue to participate in tournaments for the fun and experience.

Madison hit a home run in Friday's game and almost hit a second but twisted her ankle a bit rounding first. So today she took it kind of easy (for her) but still had 2 hits. And, of course, helped the team win 5-zip. Easy peasy. Now they'll go into Sunday undefeated. Way to go, girls!

Tonight, we hitched a ride up to Marshfield with Jim's parents to finally watch Colin race. What a show he puts on!

He was fast qualifier then won the "dash for cash." In the heat race, he was boxed in for a few laps but then got past the leaders and it was history for them. Another win. In the feature, he started about 10th back. He did some very, very aggressive driving -- twice going three wide to pass cars on the outside in turn 4. If you know racing, you know that's a dangerous move, especially there. And twice? Yikes. He led the final 12 laps and finished up a whole half-lap ahead (on a 1/2-mile track) of the second-place driver. He makes it look soooo easy!

I found out later why he was so determined to win tonight. Remember I told you about that bad accident Sunday? Turns out Colin's friend was one of the people airlifted to the hospital. He had to have reconstructive surgery on his leg and is still in the hospital. Colin vowed he would win the race tonight for his friend Cody and give him the trophy.

I tell you, there's nothing like the heart of a winner.