Whilst sitting in the middle of the KHSAA Dead Period, one has time to think about things with a lack of sports for two weeks.
For one, I am completely blessed to be able to provide coverage for Martin County athletes.
As a teenager, I looked forward to Wednesdays and seeing what Ronnie Hickman had written about in sports.
I had no idea at that time that I would one day follow in his footsteps and provide a stage for young competitors to get their names out into the world.
I recall the sense of achievement of seeing my name in the paper after a basketball game.
That same feeling elates me every Wednesday. Even with knowing what I wrote, there’s nothing like seeing it in print.
Roger, Lisa, Diane, Nora, Phill and the rest of the Mountain Citizen staff consistently provide top-notch work every day with research, editing and compiling the newspaper.
When this particular print hits shelves, it will be my forever 25th birthday. I stopped aging myself a few years ago. My back, hip and knees from my playing days disagree.
But I’m fortunate to be able to continue my sports career in the place I grew up. Thankfully, this gig is a little easier on the joints.
My next thought.
How important are our roots?
Where we’re born, raised and go to school stays with us forever.
I see former Cardinals continuing their careers at the collegiate, semi-pro and professional levels. Martin County continues to produce top-tier talent despite only having two short highways connecting us to other counties.
The ones that I’ve had the privilege of being able to cover are not only stars on the playing field but upstanding individuals in the classroom and in the community.
This boils down to coaching, parents and the individual drive of the athlete.
Being a part of a small town provides a sense of home and stability.
Martin County should welcome back any of these athletes with open arms.
Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal.