Queen of the Court

Beulah Mae Thomas Sutton lived the life of an accomplished athlete that countless women dream of but seldom reach. However, her legacy and successes were not confined to a basketball court or softball diamond. Her life might be encapsulated in the simple phrase, "she was an all-around good woman." Seemingly in every aspect of her life, as a daughter, sister, girlfriend, pal, wife, mother, grandmother, and neighbor, these roles bloomed from a Christian's heart. Once acquainted, one will never forget her charming sense of humor. In conversation with the author, Beulah said, "I had parents, who taught me right from wrong. I had a loving church family at Casey's Chapel, where I still hold active membership. I reflect upon fond memories of walking there as a child for Vacation Bible School and the guidance I received from those leaders." Could a life that involves faith have some influence in one's success as an athlete? Remember the comparison made in the short description of athletes Caitlin Clark and Beulah? Caitlin grew up dedicated to her Catholic faith. From an AI interview: "She credits her faith for her strong work ethic, character, and ability to remain grounded on and off the court." Caitlin was quoted by the DesMoines Register, "that Dowling High School was a special place to go to school because of its emphasis on prayer. We get to live our faith every day. The day is started with prayer and ends with prayer." Miss Clark has been recognized and celebrated for setting a new collegiate scoring record, for women and men players. That high mark had remained intact for 54 years, previously held by 'Pistol' Pete Maravich. But alas, the 'Pistol" had more in common with those record holders than a love for basketball. At the age of forty he died while playing a pickup game in Pasadena, California. Long before his passing, he was thusly quoted: "I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves (Jesus) to the utmost, not as a basketball player." The common thread of conviction running through the lives of Maravich, Clark, and Thomas seems to suggest that talent and faith make good companions. Most of the content of Queen of the Court, describes Beulah's skills as an athlete. It gives play-by-play details for many of the contests in which she ran hardwood courts. It covers heartbreaking losses, her joys in large-margin wins, the palpitating heart in narrow victories, often coming near the clock's final tick. It shares the camaraderie for teammates, and Beulah's respect and love for the coaches. After the bouncing ball was put away for the season, she picked up a smaller one and with its companion bat, developed a love that would last for several decades. Typical examples of her softball play: (1) Beulah Sutton flipped a three-hit shutout for Stoney Creek. (2) Runner-up Stoney Creek's softball team won the Women's softball playoffs last night by again jolting regular season champ Pinewood, 3-1, to complete a two-game upset sweep in the finals. Stoney Creek, which had taken the first one, 7-4, Monday, got a three hit-hurling from Beulah Sutton, who yielded only an unearned run in the first, and singled in the tie-breaking run herself in the third. (3) As a member of her church team: Beulah Sutton had three hits for Casey's Chapel. For sports fans, this is a must read, but be assured that every heart will be warmed by the charming life that she has lived.