The first game in the refurbished John Nett center gym brought out a lively partisan crowd as the boys varsity downed the Lewsiton-Altura Cardinals 61-33.  The season opener for both teams moves the Ramblers to 1-0 in conference play and overall.

The new floor with the C shield logo stands out, as do the new scoreboards.  The bleachers were full, but that also could have to do with their reduced size, as compared to the old set of seats.

There was an upbeat atmosphere, in part due to the large number of kids from St. Stans in attendance.

The varsity girls basketball team helped out in a fundraising effort for Jessica Rivers from Winona’s Dancing with the Stars.   Rivers, a Cotter graduate,  is representing WACS in the competition and the girls sold raffle tickets for five dollars that you could win prizes like a free night at the Holiday Inn, a $50 gift certificate to the Green Mill, or a suite for the boxes at any Cotter football game beside homecoming.

The girls also sold paper airplanes for one dollar. Many of the kids and some of the adults had fun with this activity.  At halftime everyone with an airplane took a shot for the center circle.  WACS student Mary Morgan won a free pizza by landing her plane directly in on the C.

As for the game, the Cotter boys took control in the second half after both teams played sloppy in the first half.  A short practice schedule and first game nerves, may have contributed to the early chaos. Cotter really pulled it together the second half blowing Lewiston away.

Cotter’s junior center Kyle Kerrigan said, “ I thought we played really hard. we need to do a better job taking care of the basketball and make better shots.” Kerrigan had eight points during the game including a two handed dunk.

Another positive sign of things to come was the strong visitor’s section crowd from Lewiston. One of the hopes for Cotter’s new league alignment is that the shorter distances will encourage more Cotter fans at road games, and more visiting fans at Cotter.