Matt Suoja: Looking back at my sporting past

• Matt Suoja

Matt Suoja

Talk about it

Would you believe it that our Advertising Manager David Lukkonen’s brother found an old tape of David playing basketball for North Shore Elementary School (it is believed to be from the fifth grade).

If you don’t find it all that surprising, you might laugh about this. In one of the videos, Lukkonen shoots three free throws, and guess who is trying to distract him?

That’s right, it was me.

We didn’t know each other at the time, but it’s hilarious looking back at the video now, knowing we are now co-workers.

I flailed my arms jumping up and down doing what any good fifth grade basketball player could do to distract someone from free throws. I noticed in the background my mom and brother watching the game and, like slow motion, as soon as I started performing the stunt my mother brought a hand to her mouth in embarrassment.

The tactic was only used twice on Lukkonen out of three shots. It worked; however, leaving a stunned Lukkonen with a sack of bricks (he missed all three shots).

Lukkonen and I have discussed it, and one day we will have a free throw shooting contest with me pulling the same antics as I did during the game. He says he will make the shots, but I’m not so sure.

The video can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBJfw64t6y4.

Even though neither of us remember the moment; it does bring back another “glorious” moment from my sporting career.

I believe it was the last actual real basketball game I’ve played in (the seventh grade).

For some reason the coach started me, and actually kept me in the game – what most would consider a miracle if anyone ever saw me play.

Shot after shot I missed. When all totaled up, my missed shots crept into the double-digits.

Some pros miss that many shots in a game once in awhile, but at least they make a few. I went scoreless from the field and missed six free throws.

It was really fun though and I will never forget it.

I got more shots up that game then almost all the games combined that season.

I can look back on it and laugh now, but it wasn’t so funny at the time. I must have been sick or something.

Maybe I knew it was time to hang up my Reebok Pumps and stick to other sports.

If you have a funny sporting memory from your playing days, leave a comment at www.twoharborsmn.com.

Matt Suoja is the sports reporter for the Lake County News Chronicle. Send sports tips to msuoja@lcnewschronicle.com or call him at (218) 834-2141.