In the aftermath of the state baseball and softball finals in Battle Creek last weekend, Kosmo found it ironic that two of the state's best programs that just can't get over the hump in a state final were on display at the same time.
They were on display because both lost yet again in a state final.
The first was the Lakeland softball team, which fell in the Division 1 state final to Hudsonville, 6-2.
The Eagles lost in the Division 1 state final for the third time in the last five years and are now 0-5 in state title games. Eventually, the Eagles will break through, but it's too bad they can't seem to get the breaks to go their way in a state final.
The same can be said for Saline's baseball team.
For the third straight year, the Hornets advanced to the Division 1 state final. For the third straight year, Saline fell short, this time suffering a 4-1 loss to Ann Arbor Pioneer.
Saline is 0-4 in state finals in school history, having lost in the 1998 state final to Midland.
Seeing those two brought to mind a couple of other snakebitten programs when it comes to state final games.
One is the Utica Eisenhower football team, which lost in the Division 1 state final three straight years from 1999-2001 and again in 2003. The Eagles lost in 2000 after failing to recover an onside kick late in the game.
Another is the Flint Powers hockey team, which has been to the state's final four 17 times and the state final seven times.
The Chargers still haven't won a state title.