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Pete and Jean were listening to Kathy's broadcast while watching the game on TV - they hugged and high-fived as time ran out. "Alright, Pete, when do we leave Saturday morning?"
Coach Suter was talking by phone to the producer at the station. He wanted to do a quick recap after Kathy finished her coverage, talk about their opponent, Stanley-Boyd, and open it up for calls from fans.
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After a commercial break, Jones took her phone with microphone attached to the court to interview the Roseville coach and as many players as possible.
“Trixie. Trixie Bauer, we’re on the air at WRSE right now. You are a senior. You have one more game for a state championship. What are you thinking?”
“Thanks, Ms. Jones. This is real exciting and a dream come true. My friends and I have dreamed about a state title since we were third graders and the boys went to State. This was a tough game. I’m so proud of everyone. I want to say thanks for the great fan support here at the game and all of you listening at home! Go Roseville!”
Trixie is John Bauer’s daughter, Jake and Emjay’s niece. The couple, plus Elaine were making their way to the locker room to join John's family.
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It was less than 20 minutes after the game, when an official approached John Bauer as his family was walking to the exit for a celebratory dinner.
“Mr. Bauer? I’m Dan Rasmussen with the state sport association. Congratulations to your school and team, that was a great game.”
“Thank you, Dan. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I’m afraid I have news. Your game was the last one of the season. Because of the virus and growing concern over large gatherings, the governing board decided after the game to cancel the rest of the tournament. I’m sorry it's ending this way, but state health officials and even the Center for Disease Control told us it was the right call.”
John, and the rest of the family, stood in the hallway.
“That’s it?” Trixie Bauer asked. “We’re done? Wow.” She sunk to the floor. “Can we finish the tournament in a few weeks?”
“No,” replied Mr. Rasmussen. “The expectation is the virus is going grow for a while and the safest course of action is to cancel not postpone. I’m sorry. Congratulations, you and your team played great.”
John looked at the official. “Thank you for letting us know. I’m sure it was a tough call. I’m glad our girls got to experience the state tournament. Good night.”
John, Trixie, Jake, Emjay, Elaine, and a host of Roseville faithful headed to the doors without another word.
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