Central Oregonian

Choosing which sport to watch

Generally speaking, it’s not too difficult to decide which sports event to attend on any given weekend.

As a sports reporter I have the luxury of being able to select the most important game of the week, or the game that is closest to home, or maybe the game that will lead to the best photos.

Next Friday, sports fans in Crook County will have a couple of interesting sporting events to choose from. The MadDog Bull Riding event will take place at the Crook County Fairgrounds beginning at 7 p.m. The event promises top bull riders and stock. It will also feature mutton busting and junior bull riding.

Meanwhile, the Crook County High School football team is hosting an alumni football game which starts at 7:30 p.m. at Ward Rhoden Stadium.

“We are attempting to get our alumni plugged back in with the football program,” said assistant coach Ernie Brooks.

The game has the potential to be a lot of fun.

However, I will be skipping both events. Instead I am going to Crater Lake for the annual Crater Lake Rim Run which takes place early Saturday morning.

I probably should run, but I’m merely acting as a chauffeur and spectator. The event is a blast. Imagine people from the flat lands of the midwest trying to run a marathon at elevation. The race is considered one of the most grueling marathons in the country and features a nearly five-mile up hill near the half way point that really separates the men from the boys. If you are ever going to watch a marathon this is the one to see.

Here’s hoping the bull riding and football are a success, but I’m going to go sightseeing and watch some people subject themselves to some real pain.