Basketball is back; O’Neill’s Fun Run is Sunday morning

There is always something going on in Superior. I know there are a lot of people who feel the opposite, but if you look, you can always find something to do that is fun.

Speaking of fun, how great has this year been for local basketball? The University of Wisconsin-Superior women set many records and finished with 19 victories, an all-time record for program wins.

WIAC rival UW-Whitewater is in the final four of Division III playoffs. UWS defeated the Warhawks 67-59 on Jan. 12, illustrating just how far coach Don Mulhern has brought this team in seven years.

The ’Jackets, who were a perfect 11-0 at home this year, along with Mulhern, were honored at a ceremony attended by Mayor Bruce Hagen, who presented a proclamation designating March 12 as “UW-Superior Yellowjacket Women’s Basketball Team Day.”

The Superior Spartan girls’ team will be facing Milwaukee Riverside at 8:15 p.m. today at the state tournament in Green Bay.

What a record-breaking year these young ladies have had.

Two 1,000 point scorers in Hailey Kontny and Jessica Lindstrom have led the way, but every player who has stepped on the court has contributed, including Abby Clemons, whose star has risen to new heights during the Spartans’ playoff run.

The only other time the SHS girls made it state was in 1995.

Play hard, leave it on the floor and have no regrets. Congratulations on your accomplishments and season. Bring back the trophy.

On Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, the fun will be starting early at O’Neill’s Pub with the second annual “Fun Run” at 8 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

The one-mile walk/run along the frontage road from O’Neill’s to Campbell Lumber and back doesn’t take too long. And then, the fun begins with prizes, Irish Stew, music and plenty of emerald green beer.

Proceeds from the day’s activities will be donated to Hunger Takes no Holiday. Special thanks to Tom and Nancy, two special people.

Super One Foods will begin the second annual $5 Empty Plate Promotion Monday at all three Superior locations.

Just as last year, when you checking out at the register, you have the opportunity of purchasing a 4-inch empty plate, which is to remind us of what many face at each meal; no food.

Every $5 plate purchased will provide $50 worth of food, or 25 meals, for Superior and Douglas County residents in need. Once again, Second Harvest Food Bank, Hunger Takes no Holiday and Super One have partnered to make a difference.

Super One raised $5,800 through this promotion last year. Please help them as much as you are able. You will be helping others and you will feel better about yourself.

A wise man once said, “The true worth of a human being can be measured by how much he helps others.” Some really great people to talk about.

At McDonald’s on 21st Street, where people still approach the drive through illegally, two really nice young people man the late night window. Erick Garner, who chased me down when I drove off without my change, and Taylor Johnson are both professional, possess a sense of humor and make my 5 a.m. coffee runs for Mrs. Lance a pleasure.

I don’t know how they can be so nice so early in the morning, but they are. If I was 35 years younger, Taylor and I would be going to the prom.

Thanks to both of you for the great job you do.

I owe my gratitude to a couple of other greats. To Rani Gill at the Mayor’s office, thanks for the incredible job you did creating the proclamation for Mayor Hagen to present to coach Mulhern and his women Yellowjackets. You are the best.

Framing by Nancy specializes in, you got it, framing of items for display. The owner, Nancy, is the sister of Viking great Doug Sutherland, and I like her better than Doug. That is, until he reads this. Then I will like Doug more.

Nancy created a beautifully framed and matted item that Pat Flynn and I presented to Mulhern. The piece was so beautiful it brought a lump to the throats of many in attendance.

Thank you Nancy for your suggestions and expertise.

Lance Boyle hereby announces to the world that you and Rani are his two new best friends in the whole world. You both made a special day even more special.

And finally, Suzie Olson of the Walgreen’s camera department was a tremendous help.

I know it is hard to believe, but I am not a computer genius. I was able to e-mail her a photo for enlargement and she took care of everything but the final bill. That’s OK because the bill is miniscule in comparison to the photos I received. Thank you Suzie for your help.

I must include you with Rani and Nancy as my new best friends in the whole world.

On this date in 44BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated while at the Roman Senate. I suggest no one go to work today. Without him, would we have the Caesar salad? Remember, “Beware the Ides of March.”

Opinions and/or story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com.

Tags: have fun or get out of the way, collections, sports, preps, basketball, updates