What a community, what a school, what a team, what a coach... Wow... Woodland High School's gym was packed for the J.V. game Monday night. A lot of the students, a lot of the administration, varsity team parents and boosters, the press, and just basketball fans came to show their support to Mary Kate Hughes. And she was just smiling and having fun, as if she wasn't aware of what was going on.
When I came in the gym, she stopped her warm ups and came over and gave me a hug, spoke for a minute, and went back to warming up. I had to go outside and fight my tears back. I got back in to see the start of the game though. Mary Kate was to play two quarters in the J.V. game and then be a surprise starter and play two quarters of the varsity game.
In the J.V. game she took 4 shots in the 1st quarter, the fans hanging on every shot but she miss them all. Then in the 3rd quarter she pulled up from the top of the key and hit a 3 pointer. The gym erupted. I don't even know what happen after that. All of a sudden the game was over and the varsity team was coming out to warm up.
In the varsity game warm ups, you could see Mary Kate beginning to be a little nervous. During one of the warm up drills she stumbled and fell, but laughing it off she got up and continued to get ready. Then came the pre-game ceremony, it was senior night and the team manager along with Jessica Hughes, Mary Kate's older sister were honored. Then came the poem. (read it at the bottom) A poem for Mary Kate from her teammates. That was a tough one, keeping dry eyes. Then they did the starting line up, and the announcer says "at guard, a sophomore, #11 Mary Kate Hughes" and again the gym exploded. A dream come true, starting a varsity game along side her sister Jessica.
In the first quarter the ball went straight to Mary Kate, she took the first shot, it was short. She went down on defense, one of the Washougal players took a shot, missed it, the rebound came long, Mary Kate tracked it down, lead the fast break and sent a great pass to a team mate for the first two points of the game. Not much happen after that, and shortly afterwards Mary Kate came out of the game, and didn't re-enter until the 4th quarter.
In the forth quarter, she caught the ball on the wing, drove to the hoop, throw it up, and scored. The gym erupted again. Her first varsity points. Then with her sister Jessica feeding her the ball, she hit a short jumper. 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and a night she and many won't forget.
Mary Kate leaves Wednesday for Texas and treatment for cancer. This treatment may include amputation. We will be praying for you. This was such a wonderful night. Thank you coach Flanagan. There is a fund raiser being established for the family. Mary Kate is one of 10 kids and this will be a financial stress on the family. As I always say "It takes a village to raise a child" Please reach deep and send what you can to this fund raiser. Please. Send to:
When I came in the gym, she stopped her warm ups and came over and gave me a hug, spoke for a minute, and went back to warming up. I had to go outside and fight my tears back. I got back in to see the start of the game though. Mary Kate was to play two quarters in the J.V. game and then be a surprise starter and play two quarters of the varsity game.
In the J.V. game she took 4 shots in the 1st quarter, the fans hanging on every shot but she miss them all. Then in the 3rd quarter she pulled up from the top of the key and hit a 3 pointer. The gym erupted. I don't even know what happen after that. All of a sudden the game was over and the varsity team was coming out to warm up.
In the varsity game warm ups, you could see Mary Kate beginning to be a little nervous. During one of the warm up drills she stumbled and fell, but laughing it off she got up and continued to get ready. Then came the pre-game ceremony, it was senior night and the team manager along with Jessica Hughes, Mary Kate's older sister were honored. Then came the poem. (read it at the bottom) A poem for Mary Kate from her teammates. That was a tough one, keeping dry eyes. Then they did the starting line up, and the announcer says "at guard, a sophomore, #11 Mary Kate Hughes" and again the gym exploded. A dream come true, starting a varsity game along side her sister Jessica.
In the first quarter the ball went straight to Mary Kate, she took the first shot, it was short. She went down on defense, one of the Washougal players took a shot, missed it, the rebound came long, Mary Kate tracked it down, lead the fast break and sent a great pass to a team mate for the first two points of the game. Not much happen after that, and shortly afterwards Mary Kate came out of the game, and didn't re-enter until the 4th quarter.
In the forth quarter, she caught the ball on the wing, drove to the hoop, throw it up, and scored. The gym erupted again. Her first varsity points. Then with her sister Jessica feeding her the ball, she hit a short jumper. 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and a night she and many won't forget.
Mary Kate leaves Wednesday for Texas and treatment for cancer. This treatment may include amputation. We will be praying for you. This was such a wonderful night. Thank you coach Flanagan. There is a fund raiser being established for the family. Mary Kate is one of 10 kids and this will be a financial stress on the family. As I always say "It takes a village to raise a child" Please reach deep and send what you can to this fund raiser. Please. Send to:
Woodland High School
c/o Cindy Thoeny
757 Park St
Woodland WA. 98674
Make Checks payable to:
Woodland High School c/o MK Hughes Donations
The Poem
You are so beautiful, so strong
in your face I see God's love
and in your hear I hear his song
you are a true blessing from above.
Pure of heart and great of mind
I've met no one as wondrous as you
and in your soul your faith I find
which keeps you brave and true
Cancer cannot stop you
you just keep going on
just like the rock you stand upon
nothing can move you, you are so strong
Everything happens for a reason
even what you now are going through
stay strong and wise you're an inspiration
and I say this on be half of all, WE LOVE YOU
The Poem
You are so beautiful, so strong
in your face I see God's love
and in your hear I hear his song
you are a true blessing from above.
Pure of heart and great of mind
I've met no one as wondrous as you
and in your soul your faith I find
which keeps you brave and true
Cancer cannot stop you
you just keep going on
just like the rock you stand upon
nothing can move you, you are so strong
Everything happens for a reason
even what you now are going through
stay strong and wise you're an inspiration
and I say this on be half of all, WE LOVE YOU
2 comments:
Hey Marykate,
You are amazing. I love you very much. Keep up the good fight.
In Christ's name,
Patri
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