Michael Pineda
Randi Pawpa has been around the All-State games since she was the MVP of the basketball game back when 6-on-6 was the rage.
The memories that came with that experience bubbled to the surface recently when she was elected to coach the Small West Team in the All-State Volleyball game. The honor comes on the heels of a record setting season that saw Duncan post a 24-7 record. Making the feat all the more impressive was the fact that the Lady Demons did not have a Senior Night since all of their players were underclassmen.
“It’s really cool to be recognized,” Pawpa said. “I’d like to think that it is a reflection of the team’s hard work and that we are able to get some recognition on the west side of the state. As a coach, it’s an honor to be recognized by your peers that work just as hard as you do.
“It’s a surprise. A very nice surprise.”
Pawpa plans on using the All State games as a learning experience and pick up things from both coaches and players that could be integrated into Duncan’s system as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team will practice twice before taking the court for the game on July 27 during All-State week.
“I’m just going to use it to learn from players and coaches that have been there,” Pawpa said. “Hopefully I can take some of those things and we can use them.”
Pawpa also expects to take great joy in sharing the weekend with the top players in the state. As one of the top prep basketball players in the state during the 80’s, Pawpa played in both the All-State game as well as an All-Star game in Iowa and gained lifetime memories.
“ The thing that I remember most is the friendships that I made and learning from the different coaches and players,” Pawpa said. “The thing I will tell them is to enjoy your week at All-State and take advantage of it. It’s a time to prove why you are there.”
For Pawpa, the week will serve as a launching point for the 2011 season which has the potential to be the best one yet for the Lady Demons. Practice will start the week before Pawpa leaves for the All-State game and will pick up in intensity when she comes back.
“We are going to start off on a high note,” Pawpa said. “We are excited go get back to practice. Hopefully with everyone coming back, it will be a smooth transition into the season.”
— Michael Pineda is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 143, or via e-mail at m.pineda@duncanbanner.com.
