Mustang’s Shane Hamman said he will not let the threat of terrorist attacks or security concerns in Greece keep him from lifting in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Lifting fear of terrorism

By Glen Miller/The Mustang News

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second installment in a series of stories on Mustang’s Shane Hamman’s preparation for the Athens Olympics.

Like most athletes headed for Greece, Shane Hamman has listened closely to reports concerning security for the Athens Games and the threat of terrorist acts.

But haven given up close to a decade of his life for the chance at winning an Olympic medal, Hamman is not about to let talk, or even a “crazy” person he’s never met, keeping him from making the trip overseas.

“I’ve been training for eight years and this is not going to stop me,” said Ham-man. “No terrorist is going to stop me.”

Having been on the 2000 Olympic team in Australia, Hamman knows that some of the reports over the lack of security for the Games are exaggerated. He points out that in Sydney, there were several security checkpoints that had to be cleared in order to get close to any athletes.

“Personally, I’m not worried. If it’s going to happen it will happen. You can’t stop one crazy guy,” said Hamman. “In Sydney there was a lot of security just to get into the Olympic Village and then there were more stages to get to where the athletes were. I do feel like it’s the safest place in the world.”

Greece officials have reportedly budgeted over $750 million for security of the Games and will use 42,000 soldiers and police. A seven-country consortium, which includes the United States and Great Britain, have aided in planning and training of security forces for the Olympics. NATO has agreed to patrol the coastal areas during the Games for added security.

Reports last week say that the United States will send armed agents to guard over U.S. athletes during their pre-Olympic training camp on the Island of Crete. Bomb-detecting dogs will also be employed by the agents.

Despite the effort to prove the Games can be safe for athletes and spectators, some high-profile players from the National Basketball Association have pulled out for various reasons – from hair appointments to court dates. Names like Karl Malone, Jason Kidd, Mike Bibby, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady have pulled out.

“If they don’t want to go, then don’t come,” said Hamman. “There are a lot of people that want to go and represent their country and be proud of it.”

Hamman said he can’t understand why an athlete would not want to compete in the Olympics.

“Who knows what is in their minds,” said Hamman. “Maybe the Olympics are not a big deal if you are making a million or two a year.”

But one thing Hamman knows, using the security issues to skip the Olympics is a cop out.

“It’s stupid to be scared off at the chance to represent your sport. You can be on a professional team that represents a city, but this is the whole country. Hopefully, they are proud of it,” said Hamman.

He is.

“I’m very patriotic. I want to win a medal for my country and not just myself,” said Hamman. “I’m getting to represent my sport against the best in the world. I’m the best my country has to offer and it’s an honor to compete.”

So patriotic that Hamman, if he wins, is ready to put on a celebration.

“Your suppose to be calm, but they are going to get the show of my life if I win,” said Hamman. “IT would be the most exciting time of my life.”

Broncos blow out Westmoore, 14-3

By Glen Miller/The Mustang News

MOORE — Mustang continues to dominate the senior division of the Pure Prairie League, scoring 10 runs in the second inning Monday night and cruising to a 14-3 win over the Westmoore Jaguars.

The Broncos improved to 8-1 in the league standings with the victory and 15-4 overall. Mustang went 2-1 over the weekend in the rain-delayed Midwest City Fourth of July Wooden Bat Tournament.

“We should have gotten out of       here in five innings tonight,” said Mustang assistant coach Renie Whittern.

“But to come out and beat up on a quality Westmoore team, you can’t be upset.”

Mustang took advantage of five walks, two hit batsmen and an error to bat through the lineup in the  second inning. Fifteen players came to the plate, with Matt Mortimer and Blake Calvert each hitting singles for the Broncos. Calvert also doubled in the inning and drove in two runners.

The other hit was a RBI-triple by third baseman Jonathan Baker.

However, the Broncos offense cooled over the next four innings, managing only seven base runners – two of which were picked off in scoring position.

Westmoore avoided the run-rule with a solo tally in the second inning and two runs in the fourth inning, all of starting pitcher Carey Crain.

But any comeback hopes were dashed in the top of the seventh as Mustang added four runs. Catcher Cody Little started the inning with a single and courtesy runner Brandon Mathes came around to score on a walk by Brock Feldmann and a single by Matt Ellison. Crain added and RBI-single to help his cause.

The Broncos final two runs crossed on bases-loaded walks to D.J. Bradsers and Josh Couts.

Crain was the team’s leading hitter, going 3-for-3 with a walk, while Little recorded two hits.

Crain went six innings for the victory, scattering three runs on six hits and a walk. He struck out two batters. Ellison stepped in to work the seventh inning. Allowing one hit.

Tourney Recap

Mustang 3, Yukon 1

Brandon Mathes pitched seven innings of three hit ball as the Broncos defeated cross-county rival Yukon 3-1 in pool play. Mathes fanned six batters.

The Broncos offense recorded seven hits, led by Ashton Mowdy with two and one by Crain. Mustang’s first run came in the second inning as Mowdy doubled and scored on Glenn Cocherell’s single. Trey Hunter singled in a run in the fourth inning and Feldmann singled in Ellison in the fifth. Ellison reached on a double.

Mustang 5, Edmond North 4

Feldmann and Little each recorded two hits as the Broncos posted the one-run win. Little drove in three runs with a pair of singles, while Couts hit a one-bagger. Baker and Crain each doubled in the victory.

Mowdy was credited with the win, scattering five hits and two walks over seven complete innings. He fanned eleven batters.

Putnam City West 8, Mustang 7

This contest went an inning past the time limit before the Patriots pulled out their second win of the summer over the Broncos.

Jared Guidry, Mowdy and Mathes each logged two hits, while Ellison and Mortimer had one hit each.

Guidry shouldered the loss, issuing two runs off four walks. He fanned one batter in two innings of work. Mathes pitched two innings, allowing one run off three hits and a walk. He struck out one.

Crain started the contest, throwing the first three innings. The southpaw yielded four runs off two hits and six walks. He struck out one.

Mustang’s 2-1 record fell short again of reaching the championship bracket for a second straight week. The Broncos needed Putnam City West to beat Yukon, but the Millers pulled out a win.”