Massillon Recap

Well, I'd say we got a split for the weekend. Our Cats once again found a way to win in a game in which neither team played well enough to win but neither team deserved to lose (if that makes any sense). Both teams made critical mistakes and played sloppy at times. But what a battle. Give Massillon credit - they've clearly turned things around from the last several years. I look forward to the opportunity to see them again - in the State Semis!

Oh, and - you can call me fickle but - my new ManCrush is Bobby Grebenc.

As for the split - we TailCatters got SMOKED, absolutely SMOKED by the Tiger Faithful. My reference to Custer's Last Stand earlier this season was WAY more appropriate this past weekend - we were a small island of BlueNGold in a sea of orange and black! We have lost our way, TailCatters! Can't tell you how many times I heard "Gee, kinduva thin crowd this week". Understandable at 2:00-2:30 - but NOT 5:30-6:00!! C'mon 'Catters - time to buckle up and get in "playoff march" mode now!

Thin crowd or not, there are always highlights - and lowlights:

Frank Ross wowed the crowd with his "walking tacos". He carried all his supplies from the car in what sure looked like oversized purses. The combination inspired Tim Myers to say - I was there; I heard it - "Boy, under different circumstances, I'd marry Frank Ross".
Wendy was sulking in the Mobile ManCave till Tim promised not to marry Frank.

Jim Hopkins prepared his famous Mexican Meatballs. Agreed, there's no such thing - but you tell that to a guy who shows up in a sombrero he stole from a 6-year-old.

After we found Chris Carozzoni a corkscrew, we were going to offer her a glass but as we turned to give her one she spit out the cork and drank right from the bottle. She has moved waaaay up the list in the "All Time Top 100 TailCatters - Hard Core Mom" category.

A couple of TailCatters going over their tardy slip alibi: "OK, was it you that had the flat and I stopped to help? Or did I have the flat and you helped me?!"

Tim and Sue Ryan were heard to say "Hey, we NEVER arrive before 5:30 - what's the big deal?" (Insert multiple frownie faces here)

However, Sue "I want more attention in the TailCat blogs" Ryan DID participate in the new Mom Tunnel tradition right before kickoff. Moms Ryan, Halter, Hopkins, Dowd, Myers, Carozzoni were there at the south end cheering the boys as they took the field.

The Massillon series is, for now, over. 12-1, in favor of our Wildcats. They will be missed - Massillon fans apparently triggered some uncomfortable conversations after the game. Some sweet old bluehaired ladies in orange hoodies were giving Ignatius fans - young and old - the, ah, international peace sign. "Dad, why is that old lady holding up her finger like that?" I can offer a couple of helpful responses: 1) "I think she's hailing a cab"; 2) "Well, dear, despite the loss she still feels her team is #1"; 3) "I'm not sure, but I think she's reminding us how many times they've beaten us"; 4) "Well, dear, it's a rather inflammatory gesture that, ummm, uh - go ask your mother".

Next up - road trip to truly unique Mollenkopf Stadium. Start focusing now, people - TailCat directions and instructions to follow later this week, once we get our game faces on!

GO CATS!!!!