Things People Say

(St. Charles, MO US) A young gymnast performs on the beam at a team competition  held at the Family  Arena.  Hundreds of girls participated in this multi-day event.

As I was traveling back from Chicago after photographing President Obama giving an address at Hyde Park Academy, I returned a phone call to a person who was trying to find someone to manage photography at a gymnastics competition that would have in excess of 1000 participants over 3 days.  I explained that I really hadn't shot any gymnastics events in years, but would see if we could arrange something if I felt comfortable with the format and my ability to capture the gymnasts.  I was told there was a competition being held this very weekend and I suggested that I shoot a bit there and get familiar with how they conduct things.

I arrive and go to the floor.  I look around and finally start to shoot.  The girl above is one of the first subjects and when her team was done, their coach sat them down and had a talk with them.

The coach told them that they were not to cheer each other on with terms like "good job" because the scores didn't reflect that they were doing good.  Considering that these girls are in grade school and less than 12 years old, I was shocked to hear a coach say such a thing.  If my daughter was ever coached by someone like that I'd not let her continue.

Sometimes you have to wonder about what people say.  Does the coach really realize how hurtful or non-motivational such words can be?  Motivation can be done in far better ways.

How many of us could do what this young girl is doing?

Carrollton High School Basketball Championship

The Carrollton High School boys basketball team went all the way to the final game of the IHSA Class A playoffs.  These are selected images from the last day of the event that cover their final day in the competition.  The complete catalog of images from the semi-final and championship games (includes game play action photos) is available online by clicking on the link below:

http://www.michaelrweaver.com/f641314038

(Peoria, IL) It's about 9:30 AM on the day of the Carrollton High School Hawks championship basketball game for IHSA Class A schools.  The team is loading onto the bus for their ride to a morning practice before the game at 2 PM.

(Peoria, IL) The Carrollton High School players bus takes to the streets of Peoria to deliver the team to a local high school gym for a practice before their 2 PM state championship game.

(Peoria, IL) The Carrollton Hawks arrive at Peoria Christian School to use the school's gym for practice after a win the previous day that places them in a championship game at 2 PM.

(Peoria, IL) Carrollton High School basketball coach Jeff Krumwiede tapes an ankle for one of his players before practice at Peoria Christian School the morning before their IHSA Class A championship game later that afternoon.

(Peoria, IL) Carrollton High School basketball coach Jeff Krumwiede begins talking to his team immediately before practice.  He is apologetic and in the process of explaining that he does not have video of the opposing team for them although he understand that their opposition has requested material from anyone that may have it.  The coach used the opposition's statistics to date to brief the team on how to handle their upcoming opponent.

(Peoria, IL) Members of the Carrollton Hawks basketball team walk down the long entry corridor at the Peoria Civic Center before their Illinois Class A championship game.

(Peoria, IL)  Carrollton basketball team members check in with tournament officials before being allowed into the arena.

(Peoria, IL) The Carrollton Hawks make their last walk to the locker room at the Peoria Civic Center before the Illinois Class A basketball championship game.

(Peoria, IL) The Carrollton Hawks head to their locker room after watching the game to decide who takes third and fourth places at the Illinois Class A basktball state tournament.

(Peoria, IL)  Carrollton High School basketball player Jordan Harr leads the team from the locker room onto the floor of the Peoria Civic Center immediately before the start of their Illinois Class A high school championship game.

(Peoria, IL) The fans and cheerleaders get excited as the Carrollton High School basketball team is introduced before beginning their championship game at the Peoria Civic Center.

(Peoria, IL) The cheerleaders of the Carrollton Hawks performing for the fans during the Illinois Class A basketball championship game at the Peoria Civic Center.

(Peoria, IL) A television cameraman at work during the Illinois Class A high school championship game.

(Peoria, IL) Carrollton High School coach Jeff Krumwiede looks up at the scoreboard as his team plays in the Illinois Class A championship game.

(Peoria, IL) With his Carrollton High School basketball team surrounding him with 2.1 seconds left in the game and with them one point behind, coach Jeff Krumwiede tells his players that if they ever had dreams of making a half court shot... now was the time to do it.

(Peoria, IL) The faces of the Carrollton High School basketball team show their disappointment as they hold their second place trophy.

Game Face of the Week 3

Best game face this week is the Carrollton High School basketball head coach.

This image was taken during the championship game of the Illinois Class A Sectional played in Nokomis, Illinois.  Home team Nokomis lost the game to Carrollton.  Carrollton now goes on to play in the Super-Sectional game to be held in Jacksonville.

(Nokomis, IL) As a fan from the opposing team taunts him from behind, Carrollton High School basketball coach Jeff Krumwiede shows his disapproval of a referee call during the Illinois High School Association Class A sectional game at Nokomis High School.

 See all the photos from the game by clicking on the title.

Football Season 2011

(Hardin, IL) The Calhoun High School Warriors football team listens to the coach immediately after a scrimmage game on 8/19/2010.  Next Friday the team starts regular play.

It's time again for high school football...

Link to images:

http://michaelweaver.zenfolio.com/p307028773