Rec ball returns to bring competition, camaraderie to the hard court

With cold weather and COVID-19 keeping everyone inside, students are trying to find any way possible to stay active with their friends. The Oshkosh Recreational Basketball League is popular as it provides a chance to stay active while still competing against other local teams. West senior, Eric Belter, a member of the reigning champions from last year, Ball-In, says that winning was a testament to hard work.

“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “It was a great moment to be with my friends, as it was their last year as high schoolers. It was amazing to win the championship as underdogs.”

Head coach of the Beluga Whales, Mark Lasky, looks forward to his first season and working with athletes while having fun. 

“I’m not really sure what to expect,” he said. This is my first year helping to coach a team in the rec league. I know it is a good bunch of kids and we have some good athletes, so I am looking forward to the season.”

Senior Grant Ostertag, who plays for the Whales, says he will miss having fans due to COVID-19.

“They’re not allowing spectators in at all,” he said. “It was so much fun seeing friends and other teams in the stands, especially for big games. It’s not as serious as competitive ball, so the fans can have a bit of fun and heckle, which is always enjoyable.”

Senior Abe Miller enjoys playing due to the friendly environment and competitive nature.

“I’ve never played high school ball, but I enjoy playing for fun,” he said. “So I enjoy the chance to still play the sport I enjoy while having fun and a little competition.”

As a former West basketball player, Ostertag enjoys rec ball because he is able to play the game he loves without sacrificing great amounts of time.

“Rec ball is much more fun,” he said. “You do not need to stick to a plan necessarily, and it’s okay to try new things. It’s also not a big commitment, and you can enjoy the fun of basketball and not have to sacrifice four months of your life.”

Belter says the rec league is a great chance to hang out with friends and meet new people, as well as an opportunity to be physically active.

“I play in the rec league because it brings people together on Saturdays to play with their friends and it also gives those who don’t want to play school ball a season to play,” he said.

Lasky looks forward to a high level of competition this season, as many players have been a part of the West basketball program. 

“I know some of the kids on our team played in the program, including on varsity,” he said. “From what I know there are other teams that have some experienced players as well, so it should be a fun, competitive league with some good basketball.”

The recreational league is a great opportunity for young athletes to come together and compete in a different environment.

“I’m glad something like this exists for the kids,” Lasky said. “High school basketball is a small funnel, meaning that only five kids are on the court at a time and maybe eight or nine get to play much at all during the year. This is a good chance for kids to still play and have fun with the game in a competitive environment.”

After winning a title last year, Belter hopes to have another great season, one that will end with another ring. 

“My expectation this year is to play our absolute best, have fun, and become back to back champs,” he said. “I hope this season everyone has fun and gets a smile out of every game they play.”

By Drew Lasky

January 29th, 2021

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 4