By Eric Erickson
Sports analysis
The 2024 fall sports season at Como has created unique experiences for some 250 Cougar student athletes. Each team’s journey involves a fresh start with new opportunities, tactical adjustments along the way, and continuity through successful traditions.
Those same characteristics have been revealed across the athletic department, illustrated by the following short stories:
Dumas tennis courts
The addition of eight completely reconstructed tennis courts was celebrated on Sept. 13 with retired teacher and coach Kathy Dumas returning to campus and being honored by students, staff and alumni.
The Bugle and Pioneer Press have previously highlighted the extraordinary donation that Dumas provided. Her gift made it possible for the Como tennis program and community to have a premier playing surface.
The official dedication of the “Kathy and Dick Dumas Courts” on a warm Friday evening was an uplifting time of connection. Players she guided many decades ago brought their families to meet the coach. Colleagues of Dumas came to see their old friend, and the current generation of Cougar tennis players got to meet the legend.
Following remarks from former tennis captains Matt Olson (class of 2004) and Koua Yang (class of 1994 and current athletic director at Como), a barbeque meal was served, an official ribbon was cut and people played tennis on the sunset. A beautiful addition built on tradition.
Homecoming
The plan for Como’s Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 28, was to have the football game versus Minneapolis Edison as the anchor event.
But the Edison Tommies cancelled their season due to a shortage of players. Searches for a new opponent were unsuccessful.
So, the athletic department, Como staff, and booster club had to make adjustments. Spirit Week activities leading up to Homecoming festivities culminated with a pep fest on Friday afternoon, followed by the dance Friday night. Saturday morning’s parade was spirited, and then?
Food trucks and lawn games surrounded the turf field where a “Powder Puff” flag football game between the junior and senior girls was the featured attraction. That was followed by a game of students versus the staff. Laughs were numerous and memories were made. Great adjustment.
Cross country running
The standard for the boy’s cross-country team has become conference championships and competing in the state meet.
This year, they’re adjusting to life without a senior captain. Two elite all-state runners graduated during the last two years, but this year’s team of young runners and new participants is faring just fine.
Junior captains Ben Clark and Hazel Small have helped pace the team to four first-place finishes in competitive meets.
One noteworthy result was the Elk River Invitational, where the Cougars bested 15 other schools including large programs such as Lakeville South, Anoka and Centennial.
Como’s depth is growing with 22 boys working hard and having fun running. Those numbers allow for a full JV squad and opportunities to compete at appropriate levels. The girls’ program is growing too, with 11 committed runners.
Margaret Spray and Lu Beckman are striving to make Como girls competing at state an annual tradition. They both qualified last year and are putting in the work to get there again.
Spray and fellow senior co-captain Lucia Rosell are supporting their younger teammates, offering encouragement like what they received when they were the new kids.
Mayor’s Cup
An idea initiated nine years ago has grown toward being the game all soccer players from Como and Humboldt look forward to – and dream of winning.
The varsity boys and girls matches for the traveling trophies were held on Saturday, Oct.5, at Humboldt. Both contests were tied at the end of regulation play.
But a penalty kick shootout, with all its drama, is used to decide who takes home the Mayor’s Cup. The Cougar girls prevailed in penalties 4-3. The Cougar boys won their shootout 3-2.
Those results led to joyful photos of the victors holding up their coveted prize, the Mayor’s Cup. a well-established and fun tradition.
Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher at Como Park High School and a longtime coach of school and youth sports in St. Paul.
Photo caption: Grateful Como tennis players gather with Kathy Dumas on the courts that are now named in her honor. Photo by Eric Erickson.
