I want to say congratulations to the Muscatine High School girls softball team on advancing to the state tournament! By the time you read this, the girls would have already played their first-round game against Pleasant Valley (the first game was Monday, July 18 at 1 p.m.). What you need to know is that as I’m writing this column, it’s Thursday, July 14, and while sometimes I think I can predict the future, sadly, my powers are just not there yet. I will say that I firmly believe our Muskies will have defeated PV and are on the path to winning the state championship!
Softball in Muscatine is a big deal, and that culminates at the high school level. I would be remiss if I didn’t give a huge shout-out to Muskie softball head coach Steve Hopkins. We are fortunate to have Steve and his coaching staff leading our Muskies. I will also recognize the efforts of the softball booster club for all the work they have put into the season and all the families and friends that have supported our Muskies. The program will continue to be strong as our younger softball players continue and eventually wear the purple and gold Muskie uniform. I love a one high school town like Muscatine.
It was so great to see the huge turnout at Kent Stein Park when the Muskies hosted the regional final game last week. I don’t think there was an available parking spot–that’s a lot of people! Anytime our community can turn out and support our young people is a good thing. This includes all athletic activities and the arts. As a parent with three young children, it makes me feel good knowing that my children will have support in anything they do. I think about the annual marching band competition held at Muscatine High School and the absolutely massive crowd that attends. Or a band or orchestra concert at Susan Clark Junior High performing in front of a packed house. The same can be said for theatre productions at MHS or MCC. Our community cares!
Later this week, I will see a lot of my extended family for my brother Phil’s wedding. I know that they’ll ask about life in a small town, and I’m happy to report that I can say nothing but great things about the Pearl City. While we are not perfect (no community is), we are doing many good things that keep our momentum headed in the right direction. The future continues to be bright along the mighty Mississippi. Go Muskies!
