Bullpups and Special Olympics : A Conversation with McPherson’s Grace Pyle and Emma Ruddle

As I grow the number of players, coaches, parents, teams, clubs, media outlets and more that I follow and gain more followers on <a href="https://x.com/RobertPGHKansas">Twitter</a> a thing I really enjoy seeing and reading about is Kansas kids involved in their communities.  Saturday I had the first hand opportunity to watch a pair of players referee games at that day's Special Olympics basketball tournament at McPherson High School.  They and their teammates were among the dozens of community members, McPherson College students, and others who put on a fantastic day of games for the athletes.  McPherson Bullpup senior, and Fort Hays State commit, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-ruddle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-ruddle/">Emma Ruddle</a></a> and junior <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-pyle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-pyle/">Grace Pyle</a></a> partnered up on one of two courts in the Roundhouse to referee for several morning games.  Following their string of games I had the opportunity to speak with them about their involvement and, of course, their season. Robert:       You've spent a lot of time running the floor, how's it feel to have a whistle in your mouth for Special Olympics? Ruddle:       I think it's definitely like an honor and humbling to be around all these great people because they support us at our games and this is the least we can do to support them. Pyle:            I like just getting the time to come out and spend time with these kids.  You really don't realize how lucky you are until you get to spend time with them. They are just so happy all the time. Robert:        How many years have you been doing this? Pyle:            We've been doing this I think for a couple year now. I've done it since freshman year.  We've done it as a team for several years  It's like a tradition at Mac. [caption id="attachment_143710" align="alignright" width="160"] McPherson 2020 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-ruddle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-ruddle/">Emma Ruddle</a></a> watches a challenged shot while refereeing a Special Olmpics basketball game. Photo by Robert Kelly.[/caption] Ruddle:       I've been reffing for this since freshman year so like 4 years now. I've helped with Special Olympics track in Wichita and I volunteer in some of the classes, PE and history. Robert:       Are any of your teammates reffing or helping out? Pyle:           The whole Ladypup basketball squad helps. We ref and do pretty much anything we're asked to do. Robert:       One of the things as a parent with kids being involved is everybody in the Special Olympics is so accepting of everybody around them, what kinds of things do you learn from them? Ruddle:       Well, generally just always having a smile on their face. They're always just so positive. I love when I get to hear them get a little aggressive.  It's fun to see them really get into the game, how hard that they work, and how happy it makes them. It reminds me of how lucky we are to have the opportunity to get to play this game. Pyle:           Definitely what she said, she said it very well. Robert:       You're graduating this year, this might be your last time doing it. You might get the opportunity to help at Fort Hays. Ruddle:       I really hope so. Robert:       Do you know some of the things that the team does for volunteering? Ruddle:       I know they do a lot of volunteering but I'm not sure what exactly the events that they do. I'm sure I'll have the opportunity to do some. Robert:       Lets switch gears a little bit.  The season is starting to get to a close, how do you feel about your season so far? What kind of a next gear do you think you need to have to bring home some hardware at the end. [caption id="attachment_143711" align="alignright" width="160"] McPherson 2021 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-pyle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-pyle/">Grace Pyle</a></a> refereeing a Special Olympics contest watches a free throw being shot. Photo by Robert Kelly[/caption] Pyle:           Definitely just team work and keep playing for each other.  Making the right plays. The more we play for each other the better we are. Ruddle:       Especially as we get healthy and get everyone back together again.  I talked to a fan last night and he said they call us the walking wounded. He's definitely right on that one.  Once we get everyone together and get going we're going to be pretty good. Robert:       Is Emma [Malm] going to be back? Ruddle:       She is expected to be back either the Circle or the Buhler game. So, a couple weeks. Robert:       I got to see her once and boy she is tough. Both:           Yeah she is tough. Ruddle:       She is the big dog. Robert:       You've been short handed for quite awhile but also I noticed the last game there were a couple people playing that previously I saw playing almost all jayvee.  Now, they are getting some valuable minutes on varsity.  How have injuries and being short handed made the team better? Pyle:            I definitely think those girls stepping up into those big roles and filling those shoes gives them more experience and then they get more comfortable on the varsity court. It makes them play better. Ruddle:       Yeah, for sure. I have been out, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lakyn-schiefereke/">Laykn</a> [Schiefereke] has been out, now Emma Malm has been out, then to be able to step up and fill our roles and still be able to play as well as we are, we are really fortunate. Robert:        I got to see a lot of summer ball and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/andrea-sweat/">Andrea</a> [Sweat] put in a lot of work this summer.  How is she doing.  I know it must be crushing to go down so quickly and not be on the floor. Pyle:            I think she's really trying to stay positive about it.  Being around the team helps her out as well. Ruddle:       Yeah, it's definitely hard on her to not be able to come back and play with us this season but she's here and brings a smile every time. Robert:       When your playing days are done do you think you might take up a whistle and be on that side of the floor? Pyle:            If it calls my name it calls my name Ruddle:       I'm not so sure. I'll see how it goes. Robert:       To wrap things up what is your favorite college D I basketball team? Pyle:            I don't know, I don't really have a favorite.  I grew up being a Kansas Jayhawk. Ruddle:       I've always been a KU fan, not going to lie. Robert:       Thank you so much, I appreciate it. Both:           Thank you. It was real pleasure to watch a pair of strong players from the Class 5A #1 ranked team not just call a attentive and fair game but to watch them fist bump, high five, talk and share with players the excitement and joy in successes big and small that were provided by playing basketball.  They both represented their team, school, families, and community well.  It is easy to support players who represent well and it speaks to why the Lady Bullpups are so difficult to beat in front of the home crowds at the Roundhouse. <em>Featured image: McPherson Bullpup 2020 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-ruddle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-ruddle/">Emma Ruddle</a></a>, left, and 2021 teammate <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-pyle/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-pyle/">Grace Pyle</a></a>, right, at the McPherson Special Olympics tournament. Photo by Robert Kelly.</em>