On the way to the Big Apple: a slice of Saucon

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Just a quick entry this early Thursday morning.

I am on my way to Northampton to Catasauqua High School (I dedicate that dig to my friend Rick) to catch a bus for a trip to New York City, a trip that will end up with a stop at Madison Square Garden for the NIT title game between Catty's favorite school -- North Carolina -- and my favorite school for one night, Dayton.

I have been told in no uncertain terms that the bus is leaving at 7:30 this morning with or without me. So, I have to get my butt moving much earlier than usual if I want to get to the Big Apple.

Seems like a great weather day is shaping up and if I wasn't going to NYC, I'd be getting out to a softball game.

I was glad to be able to see one on Wednesday. I took in the game at Saucon Valley where there's still some tension in the breezy, spring air after what happened with previous coach John Seneca.

What a scene it was with Seneca, the former coach, standing in the crowd with the other parents; some of whom obviously had a hand in his ouster. Give the guy credit for not backing down and staying away to appease his detractors.

John told me via e-mail that despite what happened to him, he is supporting the team, and new coach Robyn Savitske. At this point, he wants what is best for his daughter,Sarah, the team's standout catcher.

But the hurt feelings are still there, and will probably linger for a long time.

I was just happy that Sarah Seneca hasn't let the whole situation get her down. At least not completely.

Say what you will about John Seneca and his coaching style, but I don't know anyone who doesn't like Sarah. If they don't like her, there's something wrong with them.

I've been covering high school sports for a long time, and she truly is as nice a kid as I've dealt with. No matter what she does in life, she's going to be a success.

So, while not taking sides as to who won the game today, I felt good for her to open up her season with two home runs and four RBIs.

The kid is in a tough spot, trying to be a good teammate and friend while understandably very upset at what went on with her father. She is trying to take the high road, putting the bitterness behind her. It can't be easy. I don't know if I could handle it without wanting to lash out and tell everybody what I really think of them.

Everybody is still on egg shells. Savitske has a tough task, especially for her first head coaching experience. But I like the way she is handling herself. Her job is to keep them focused on the present and future and not the past.

It's going to be interesting how things go from here, but as they demonstrated in their 11-4 win over Notre Dame, Saucon is still a very talented team and if they can keep it together, they can write a happy ending to what has started out as a messy soap opera of a season.

FROM KEITH GROLLER