Mixed Emotions

PULASKI
The end of the Waynesboro’s season came to an abrupt end on Friday morning, losing the Group AA semifinal 15-3 against Powhatan.
The Little Giants took the backfield like they normally do after a game to chat with skipper Jim Critzer.
For many Giants it was the last time they would wear purple and gold.
Critzer offered a handshake to all the players sitting in a semicircle at Calfee Park. He drew in his seniors to a huddle where they bowed their heads and wrapped their arms around each other.
“You know, they have nothing to hang their heads about,” Critzer said. “I’m going to miss them, every single one of them.”
Critzer is usually subdued, but the circumstances revealed how his emotions were running.
Later he slid his sunglass to the bridge of his nose to show his glassy eyes.
“Does this look like someone that is not affected?” he asked.
Jay Thompson struggled after the loss and reflected about the relationships he shared with his teammates.
“It’s been a great year for us. But we’re kind of disappointed right now,” senior Jay Thompson said. “We should have played better, I’m going to miss all these guys. The coach told us to keep our heads up, we have no reason to hang our heads.”
Leadoff hitter Terrell Thompson wanted to wrap up the state semifinals also this year.
“We were here last year that’s why I was trying to get it done this year. I didn’t think we be as far as we are now, but we played a team,” Thompson said. “Today we didn’t.”
Jeremy Hahn cupped his hand over his face after he pitched his last game as a Giant.
“It’s an awesome feeling, and quite an accomplishment for a team to win twice in a row,” Hahn said. “Not many teams can say that. It just sucks that we couldn’t take it a step further.”
The Giants have eight graduating seniors this season. Critzer said some of his goodbyes.
“I don’t know,” Critzer said. “Just got to get over it, it’s a part of life and tomorrow is a new day.”
But the veteran coach acknowledged that his seniors’ have a bright future.
“This has been a special group because you didn’t really have the superstar, or whatever,” Critzer said. “Jay Thomson and Jeremy Hahn – I mean they are going somewhere and play some ball, you know. Some will go to community college and get a job.”
Overall, Critzer saluted his players even when it got tough.
“I ‘ve gotten tired because of their attitudes, but you can’t help but love them,” Critzer said.