STATE EXTRA: Critzer gets a bath, some love

By Corine Gatti

Published: June 3, 2008

ABINGDON
With their 6-2 victory over Abingdon on Tuesday night, the Little Giants are one step closer to the state crown.
A rush of energy, and excitement came from the field after the last out was made by right fielder Terrell Thompson. Several Giant players rushed the field, pumped their fists and gathered behind home plate.
Many turned to head coach Jim Critzer and offered him congratulations with slaps on the back and high-fives.
They were not done with the veteran coach. They expressed their appreciation by throwing a bucket of melted ice on the skipper.
“Ahh,” Critzer shrilled with a great big smile. “You guys.”
His perpetrators scrambled, some enjoying the moment. Some not knowing what to expect, but Critzer was happy regardless that his jersey was soaked with water and a pile of ice cubes were strewn around his cleats.
His players encircled the coach with more appreciation.
Critzer was feeling at home.
He did not need a home-field advantage.
“Look around you, what does this field remind you of?” Critzer asked knowing the answer. “Look at the brick walls, look at the poles. The field is just like ours. We have the same field, the same scoreboard, we have a lot of similarities.”
The stadium was not the only likeness between the two squads.
Critzer knew defeating the Falcons would be a tough task. The Giants finished the regular-season 18-6 and the Falcons posted a 19-7 record.
“That’s a great team over there, a fantastic team,” Critzer said. “We matched up well with Abingdon.”
The goal of the Giants has remained steady since the start of the season.
“We had one goal this season and that was to win,” said Jay Thompson. “It’s important for us to win this. That goal has not changed from day one.”
For Critzer, he’s going to enjoy the latest victory.
“We did a good job tonight,” he said. “We did a good job.”