By MIKE BEACOM
of The Gazette
Tracey Kujawa has an idea of what her daughter Kara will experience when she sets foot onto the Kohl Center's floor this weekend. Tracey played on the 1980 SPASH girl's basketball team that won a title at the UW-Fieldhouse.
Tracey (Skorseth during her high school days) was instrumental in the Panthers 23-2 championship season, starting for coach Judie Janquart.
Kara has been just as important in SPASH's 2001 state run. She was the Panthers third leading scorer and rebounder this year as a junior.
Tracey sees a lot of similarities in the two state teams.
"They're a very close team and an unselfish team, and that's how we were too" said Tracey. "Everybody had their role on the court and, if everybody fulfilled that role, we were winners."
The Kujawas also acknowledge similarities in their style of play. According to mom, it's on the defensive side of the game where long time fans of the program may experience flashbacks.
"Her defensive abilities are much like mine," said Tracey. "I see her play defense just like I played. I think the big difference is that she's a basketball player that's a very good athlete. I was an athlete that played basketball."
Kara's basketball abilities have only recently started to take shape.
"I think the big step for her was when she was in junior high. She thought about playing basketball, but didn't know how and she didn't know how to pursue it," said Tracey.
Tracey encouraged her daughter to go and watch the son of a friend play, former SPASH standout Casey Taggatz, and ever since, Kara has developed a love of the game.
"She's never looked back and has been working hard at basketball from that day forward," said Tracey.
Her hard work and the hard work of her teammates has paid off. This weekend's state tournament is something Kara will have to remember for many years to come.
"(This past week) has been pretty exciting," said the Panthers guard. "People I've never talked to before will come up to me and say how they're looking forward to watching us play at state. It's all really exciting."
Having experienced both sides of the game, Tracey is quick to say that playing parent in the stands is much more difficult than any position on the floor.
"I can't remember feeling pressure on the court because I had control of what was going on. Being off the court, and in the stands, you have no control over that," said Tracey. "I think that's more nerve racking."