Thoughts from a hectic week:

-- GO COUGARS: The Lincoln High School baseball team has given the school, as well as the communities it represents, much to be proud of with its state championship.

It's been a great year for the Class AA school in Shinnston, which also draws students from Lumberport, Wallace, Enterprise and a number of other small communities in northern Harrison County.

First, in December, the Cougar cheerleaders won the school's first state title with two impressive performances, one in the regional competition and the other in the state finals in Charleston.

Then, the Lincoln boys basketball team enjoyed an outstanding season as it dominated area play in winning the county and Big 10 Conference titles before falling short in the postseason.

Now, the baseball team has given the school its second state title -- and first in boys athletics -- in the same school year.

One factor that may be overlooked when it comes to prep athletics is the importance of great community support. Lincoln fans are extremely loyal and supportive, according to school administrators, coaches and players.

The Cougars had a large crowd in Charleston the past two days, as well as many fans back home listening on the radio or calling us looking for the score.

That type of support helps to motivate a team and now all can enjoy a great accomplishment.

Congratulations to the Cougars and their faithful!

-- STOP THE CLOCK: In today's lawsuit-mentality society, it doesn't surprise me that the battle between the ACC and Big East conferences over Miami, Boston College and Syracuse is headed to court.

The five Big East Conference football schools the ACC didn't pursue -- West Virginia, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Rutgers and Connecticut -- are suing Miami, Boston College and the ACC.

In reality, as WVU President David Hardesty hinted at on Friday, the schools are just trying to delay the process in hopes of changing the defectors' minds or to negotiate a financial settlement.

In football terms, the five schools are throwing the ball out of bounds or into the turf to stop the clock. In the real world, that means a lawsuit.

-- THINGS TO DO: If you're looking for something to do this weekend, don't forget Weston's Carp Festival. (See story and schedule in today's edition). There's also the Native American Weekend at Prickett's Fort State Park near Fairmont.

See today's calendar of events for more fun things to do in the area.

John G. Miller is managing editor of The Exponent Telegram. He can be reached at 626-1473 or by e-mail at jmiller@exponent-telegram.com