Sure it was a big goal. But the celebration was worthy of an Emmy nomination. Here’s the scene:
Stjarnan and Fylkir are locked in a 1-1 tie as the match goes into extra time. Stjarnan’s Haldor Orri Bjornsson booted home the winning goal. And then the hijinks commenced. Watch the video. And admire the portrayal by Johann Laxdal as the fish. It’s certainly worth a supporting actor award.
Your parents always told you that practice makes perfect. They weren’t far wrong, but they weren’t exactly right either.
Psychologist Anders Ericsson has expanded on the theme of practice. Over the course of 30 years of research, Ericsson found that hard work alone has limited effect in raising proficiency in any activity, whether it be playing a musical instrument, performing in athletics or doing mental gymnastics.
This is a story that encompasses two magnificent feats.
Primarily, it’s about a group of young — as in under 10 — softball players who achieved a first in Marin softball history. The Nor-Cal Smackers 10U softball team traveled to Sunnyvale, went undefeated in four games over a three-day tournament, and earned the right to participate in the Amateur Softball Association Class A National 10U tournament. The Smackers are the first 10U team representing Marin to earn a berth in the national tournament, paving the way for future young teams to find their way into national competition.
But this story is also about the organization which they represent. The Smackers are only in their second full year of operation. To have brought a team along to the point of qualifying for an ASA national tournament is a real tribute to the coaching and management of the Smackers.
