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© St. Petersburg Times, published April 30, 2002
The Crystal River softball team had just won its biggest game of the season.
Down one in the seventh, the Pirates rallied for two runs Friday to defeat Citrus 2-1 and win their first district title since 1997. Amid the celebration, players screamed and cameras flashed.
And then they got some company.
They were joined by the Pirates baseball team, which had watched the whole thing while cheering wildly in the stands. They hugged the members of the softball team and posed together for a photo.
"We were all excited for them," baseball player E.J. Gerrits said.
What made the event so special was that the previous night, several softball players were in the stands when the baseball team won its district title in similar fashion, using a two-run rally in the seventh to beat Dunnellon 3-2.
"We did a replay of their game," pitcher Emily Bayer said. "It felt good to have them out there with us. I felt a lot more confident (during the game) because they wanted to come out and watch us.
"I felt like I needed to show my stuff. They were cheering and making fun of the other team. It was cool."
This is somewhat unusual because in the age of Title IX, boys and girls teams often snipe and compete with each other.
If one team gets new jerseys, the other feels slighted. If one is in the paper more than the other, jealousy can rear its head. But at Crystal River, the teams genuinely pull for the other.
"The two programs have mirrored each other this year," baseball coach Brent Hall said. "(Softball coach Lanna Hough) and I have gotten along so well."
Hough, a first-year coach, met Hall last fall. Later, she asked for advice on how to run practices, and Hall was glad to offer his assistance.
"He helped out a lot," Hough said. "I've never coached before, and he gave me advice on what works and what doesn't.
"I don't think we could get along any better than we do. People have often told me this is different than at some schools because we get along so well."
And they support one another.
Despite having busy schedules, each coach has attended several of the other's games.
"Our players enjoy watching baseball games," Hough said. "We have a good time when we go over there."
The feeling is mutual.
At Friday's softball game, the baseball players were the most vocal Crystal River supporters in the crowd. Every varsity player and coach attended.
"It was very exciting," Hall said. "They were really into the game the whole time. The guys had a great time. And the girls were really excited. Once they found out earlier in the day the guys were coming, they were jacked up.
"It means a lot to know you're supporting them. Girls sometimes feel like they've taken a back seat over the years. It's very important for us to show them that's not the case, that we're equal."