Longer days, the incessant, yet charming song of cicadas and the ever present musk of barbeque smoke in the air generally means that summer has begun. With it comes the return of the softball diamond lights and the crack of aluminum bats. For some Topekans, however, it means the return of white-clad Saturdays and the not so loud crack of a wicket, the smash of helmets against other ponytail clad helmets, or the pus on freshly skinned knees after a missed landing on a “tail whip.”

For these Topekans, the adventure of the alternative sport season has begun.

On scattered Saturdays throughout June and July, spectators can head to Ripley Park to witness the love of the game of cricket with the Kansas Cricket Club (KCC) Tigers. Originated in 2004, the KCC Tigers are comprised mostly of Topekans, who have immigrated from India, Pakistan, Australia and other parts of the world where cricket has a more prevalent place in sports culture.

Rahul Zutshi, team player, notes that “cricket is a team sport that has only just begun to take root in the Midwest. It is still played primarily by people who grew up in cricket-playing nations. Local interest is growing, albeit gradually.”

Practice sessions are open to anyone wishing to participate and tryouts and practice games to lock-in team rosters are generally held before the start of a typical season in April. Similar to the game of baseball, yet very unlike America’s pastime at the same time, the KCC Tigers generally stick to a short format of four innings, which will last the whole day, considering the lunch rest in between the second and third innings.

“It might be worth noting that its well known to be played at leisure,” says Zutshi, “So be prepared to be outdoors for a few hours…it takes a curious mix of skill, stamina, consistency and patience to excel.”

If you are looking for a more full-contact spectator sport than the ethically-bound game of cricket, head southwest to the Topeka Rugby Club Pitch field, just behind McDonald field on the Shunga trail, and join the Topeka Mudcats – the first professional, tackle, all-women’s football team, domiciled from Topeka.

Consisting of 16 ladies, ranging from three sport veterans to rookies looking to get physically fit, the Mudcats are hoping to capture the title of the Women’s Spring Football League in their inaugural season.

Rookie quaterback Tara Thompson heeded to the call for players after previously playing in a flag football league through the Topeka Correctional Facility, where she is employed.

“This is the first year for a lot of the girls and a couple of our players have a few years behind them, but we have a great chance,” Thompson says.

Despite a difficult loss in the season opener on May 1 to the Kansas City Storm, the Mudcats pulverized the River City Raiders May 29, 28-0. They’re gearing up for another home game June 5 against Kansas City Storm. Team veteran, co-captain and former Storm player, Ami Hyten notes that the team has a lot of rookies that will have to adapt to the intensity and pace of the games, but knows that all the players keep pushing forward for the same reason.

“I have a deep and abiding love of the game. I have loved this game for the better part of my life and I know of no better way, or faster way to stay in shape.” Hyten adds, “Having someone chase after you to tackle you is great motivation.”

Despite their varying degrees of experience, the Mudcats are driven to excel. Head Coach and co-owner, Shawn Smith believes his team has an excellent chance at capturing the league title. With the Kansas Koyotes as an established team, co-owner, Dawn Smith, agrees that spreading the word in Topeka will be key. With merchandise, concessions and halftime performances in the works, Dawn has equipped a staff to make every home game a spectator experience.

“We have hardworking girls who are very dedicated and that’s what makes the team,” Dawn says.

Still, for other staffers, the pure competitive drive of the team is what they are hoping will bring out the crowds.

“Once they see we’re for real and not here to play powder puff or flag, they’ll really embrace it,” says Offensive Coordinator, Eric Martell.

Not far from the Topeka Rugby Club Pitch field, at the Rip-On skate park (21st and Washburn), a consistent group of “regulars” won’t mess around with “powder puff” moves, either. The patrons of the Rip-On are generally out, weather permitting, riding bikes and perfecting tricks, all with hope to shine at the Kansas State Action Championship on June 26 & 27.

Now in its sixth year running, the Kansas State Action Championship is available to open registration the day of competition. Ty Johnsrud, organizer and emcee, notes that the event heralds about 50-60 skaters and 25-35 bike riders with a skateboard competition to be held the day prior at the Mouse Trap skate park in Oakland. Johnsrud, who recognized the need for an outlet for the youth involved, also inserted himself into the planning and layout of the Rip-On when the city began planning the layout several years ago.

“It’s great because out-of-towners come into Topeka on the weekends to use it,” Johnsrud notes of the park’s success.

Despite similar faces among the crowd of daily skaters and bikers, Johnsrud stresses that the competition will be open to all skill levels from beginner to intermediate to expert. According to Johnsrud, last year’s competition had the youngest competitor yet, a five-year old who successfully jumped over his dad, while the brave dad laid down on a pyramid.

“It all starts with that cinderblock and plywood jump at your house and then it goes from there,” chuckles Johnsrud with a twinkle in his eye.

Johnsrud, always welcoming of newcomers, is hoping for new spectators and enthusiasts at this year’s competition through many corporate sponsors and the lure of a BMX “Bicycle Recycle” where individuals can bring in their own used bike parts and recycle them to others in need of a similar part.

He acknowledges, however, that the majority of spectators will venture out, for what he considers the “America’s Funniest Home Videos intrigue”.

“A lot of people come out just to see people get wrecked,” he jokes.

“Still, it’s the challenge of it, learning new tricks, and pushing yourself like other athletes that enjoy football and basketball. You can push yourself just as hard on a bicycle.”

The athletes of Ripley Park and the bearers of a purple Mudcat helmet concur with Johnsrud’s sentiment, but with a wicket and a team of determined ladies, respectively, of course.

Topeka Mudcats vs. Kansas City Storm, Saturday June 5 — at the Topeka Rugby Pitch field, behind McDonald Field on the Shunga Trail | Gates open @ 5, Game time @ 6 | It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night, so wear pink and get $2 off admission |  Adults: $10, Children 6+: $5

The next home game is June 26 | Fan Appreciation Day

http://www.topekamudcats.com/

The Kansas State Action Championship

Sat. June 26 @ Mouse Trap Skate Park –Registration & Warm-ups start at 9:30a.m. | Skateboard Competition: 11am-4pm

Sun. June 27 @ Rip-On Skate Park  – Registration & Warm-ups start at 9:30a.m. | In-Line Skate Competition: 11am-12pm | Bike Competition: 12:30pm-3pm

[republished from June 1 - July 15 seveneightfive | by Janice Watkins | photos by Brie Martin]
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