I’m still living!!!!!

I know some of you have checked in to see the blog has gone neglected here the last few weeks!

It’s definitely been a wild and crazy last few weeks. Between trekking all over the country with the PC basketball teams, as well as working my cheerleading obligations it definitely has been an interesting few weeks!

Why, I’ve learned several things!!!!! One, whenever you walk from the check-in counter at the Atlanta airport to where you THINK you’re catching the underground tram to your fate, which is on the entirely other end of the airport and the train is out of order…..NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!

A literal mile walk alter I get to the gate at 4:45AM. I then get to Charlotte, to catch my connection to Greensboro. Again, when you have to walk from one end of the Charlotte airport to the other end to catch a plane…NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!

When you get to the gate…only to see a plane with PROPELLERS ON IT!!!!!!! NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!

When you get on said plane, and the captain walks in AFTER you and is multi-tasking as the flight attendant…NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT!!!!!!

I also learned, just this past weekend that it takes over 8 hours to bus, from Detroit to Milwaukee, in the FOG!!!!! That was the part of the trip that was supposed to be the PC men’s team’s connection from Charlotte to play Marquette in Milwaukee but our flight was cancelled due to the fog.

At the same time, there’s a ton to be thankful for this holiday season. I still have all my hair (sorry Manley and Stephon!!!!) have a wonderful family and am able to work with and around some great people at PC as well as with All-Star Challenge cheerleading.

Oh, if you’re a music buff, check out Toby Mac’s Alive & Transported CD, awesome live stuff!

Anyway, that’s my rant, what’s yours??????

On the fast track!

It’s been a wild and crazy last few weeks. The Laurens Raiders completed their best season in football since the 1991 State Championship season when they completed the 2008 season 11-3.

There is a laundry list of positives that Raider Fans may take away from this season.

Greg Lawson has gotten the foundation built on what appears to be a long and prosperous resurgence of Raider football.

This season saw a Raider player selected to the Shrine Bowl, two garner North/South recognition and six players filled seven slots on the All-Region team.

Add to that, that a Raider was named the Laurens County TD Club player of the year and indeed this season was special.

Even more special are the prospects for the future. The depth that was built this season will prove to be vital in the coming seasons.

When you look on both sides of the ball there is a lot of experience coming back. The offensive line will return four players who at one time or another started this season.

The skill positions will see both starting running backs return while several key players from a JV squad that finished 9-1 will join Zak O’Bryant at wide receiver.

The defense returns a defensive line manned by three players who started multiple games.

The same is true at linebacker, anchored by Hunter Smith. While the secondary will miss the names, Cromer, Cain, and Cunningham, Coach Hawk was wise and planned for the future rotating several underclassmen in throughout the season.

Ruben Perez returns to anchor the kicking chores. The big question mark will be the quarterback position, or will it?

Don’t get me wrong, Logan Hall’s absence will surely be felt, but with Kevin Johnson and B.J. Moses along with Allen Staton hitting the weight room and having a full spring practice and a summer to battle I think the Raiders will see one of the three rise to the top to grab the job.

There are a lot of decisions to be made for sure, but one thing is certain, these Raiders are definitely moving forward in the right direction.

And a HUGE shout-out to the fans that made the Raiders run through the playoffs so special.

The noise in the stands was tremendous and the text messages and emails we received during the games were something to behold.

I hope you are as excited as I am on what the future holds for Laurens Raider football.

To the players, I issue you this challenge…work twice as hard THIS off-season as you did the last because you won’t be able to sneak up on anyone.

To take the next step, it will require sacrifice, dedication and a ton of hard work.

I look forward to watching every single play.

WHAT A WILD RIDE!!!!!

Greetings from Bitterly cold Cincinnati, Ohio where I am winding up the two-day Queen of the Nile Cheerleading Competition presented by All Star Challenge.

It’s has been a wild a crazy week. Hats off to Coach Greg Lawson and the Laurens Raiders. I had the pleasure of traveling down with the team Friday morning.

Anyone who doesn’t think they have an affect on this team is very much mistaken.

The reaction of these players when they rode through the parking lots at LDHS and then through Laurens Middle and E.B. Morse and Ford Elementary Schools was one I will remember for some time.

Even when we had a problem with a tire on the way down, the kids did not let any of the outside circumstances get to them.

Let me also give a shout out to the 800 + people who made the trip down to Conway to cheer on these kids.

On a cold, windy night you were truly that 12th man that Coach Lawson talks about being a difference maker.

They’ll be counting on you this Friday when we travel to South Pointe.

Another big thank you to Rhett Harris and Mark Freeze for doing a great job on the PC/Georgia men’s game. And while I’m at it another round of thanks to Wyatt Mattison, Jim Iacuone and Brandon our technical advisor from PRTC for helping us pull off broadcasting two games at the same time Friday night.

We didn’t want either group of fans to miss out on the chance to listen to those important games.

And another thanks to Wayne McIntosh and Bill Boroff for getting me back Friday night in one piece. It was a little easier getting on the road t the airport Saturday at 4:30 since they were driving back from Conway,

We’ll have a similar set-up this Friday when Laurens travels to South Pointe and PC makes the trip to Clemson.

Make sure you check out the new picture gallery we posted from Friday’s Laurens win at Conway and I’ll talk with you folks when I get back too much warmer (I hope) locale of Laurens County tomorrow!

LONG WEEKEND!

Greetings from Durham, NC! Site of the 2K Sports Classic to benefit Coaches versus Cancer.

After working the Laurens at Greenwood game, Jim Iacuone, Walt Gary and I piled into the van and made the trek to Charleston, SC for the PC versus Charleston Southern game.

Unfortunately, for Bobby Bentley and PC they just weren’t clicking on all cylinders and came up short of a win losing 29-18.

We rolled back into town Saturday night around 8pm. Fast forward to Sunday morning, 7:30 and I’ on a bus with Coach Nibert and the PC Men’s basketball team headed for Durham.

WE got to the hotel at 11:30am and got settled. By 3:00 p.m. it was back onto the bus for the short drive to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Trust me when I tell you that it is EVERYTHING that people tell you it is and more. From the moment you walk into the main lobby you are smacked in the face with tradition and history with the plaques, banners, and all the trimmings.

There’s the case devoted to the 2008-09 men’s and women’s teams. Once you walk into the actual arena you can’t help but notice all the banners recognizing the ACC regular season and tournament titles. There’s the many NCAA Final Four banners, and of course the three national title banners for the men.

There are also the banners recognizing the run of ACC titles and final four appearances five years running this decade for the women.

After watching the team practice for two hours we enjoyed a great meal at Texas Roadhouse. I highly recommend it for both food and atmosphere, all the way down to the peanuts on each table.

Once back at the hotel at 9pm it was into a scouting report session with the team. Preparation would be one f the best words to describe a PC Men’s team, as they get ready to face 5th ranked Duke.

The game plan is in place. It all comes down to execution tonight at 7pm.

Duke is good, and has tremendous depth. Win, lose, or draw the exposure and experience these kids will get from playing on such a big national stage tonight will be a tremendous benefit this season and for years to come.

We’re staying in the same hotel as Georgia Southern and Houston, two of the teams in this bracket of the tournament.

Don’t forget tickets go on sale today (Monday) for the Laurens home playoff game this Friday against North Augusta. They’re $6 and are available at Valvoline Express Care and Master Dry Cleaners.

Ok, that’s it. Have a great start to the weekend and make sure you tune in tonight at 6:30 for the pre-game and tip off at 7pm for PC versus Duke.

Where's my roller skates??????

What an absolutely crazy week! With election day behind us things are starting to return to normal! As in hectic paced!

It’s hard to imagine, but basketball season is already here! That’s right, you heard me correctly. Monday, November 10th marks our first PC basketball broadcast of the season.

And what a way to start, at one of the most historic venues in all of sports, Cameron Indoor Stadium and a date with coach K and the Duke Blue Devils!

A lot will happen before we even get there. First, we head to Greenwood this afternoon to work the Laurens Raiders game against Greenwood with the hope that we’ll see LDHS win their tenth game of the season.

Tomorrow morning, Jim Iacuone, Walt Gary, Stan Reid and I will head to Charleston to work the PC/Charleston Southern football game.

After the trip back, I quickly pack and meet the PC men’s basketball team at Templeton at 7:30 to pull out for Durham.

Don’t forget that the Bobby Bentley Show will be this coming Wednesday at Springs Student Center from 7-8 and then 8-9 we super size the experience compliments of Fatz with a men’s and women’s basketball show from 8-9.

Tickets t the LDHS home playoff game next Friday go on sale Monday morning at Valvoline Express Care on Hillcrest Drive in Laurens and Master Dry Cleaners on East Main Street in Laurens.

Have a great weekend and make sure you tune in for a TON of sports this next week or so.

My how two years can change things! Or, does it?

If you think back to June 2006 there was a very hotly contested Republican primary race for House District 16 between the incumbent Adam Taylor and the challenger from Fountain Inn, Mark Willis.

The primary campaign certainly was contested and at times down right ugly. The SCRG (South Carolinians for Responsible Government), or IRRESPONSIBLE Government as I refer to them, pulled out all the stops in support of Willis. They made sure out of state contributors contributed to his campaign in the thousands of dollars.

They sent mailer after mailer attacking Taylor. You remember, right? They said he wasted over fifty thousand dollars on a balloon race. In reality, he voted for a bill on tourism money that INCLUDED a line item for $50,000.00 for Freedom Weekend Aloft held each year here in the upstate. That one weekend contributes over a million dollars to the South Carolina economy.

Then, they sent a mailer saying he voted to waste $75,000 on a fish tank. In reality, Taylor voted, again, for a tourism bill that included that amount for the SC Aquarium in Charleston. The aquarium, another big tourist attraction for the state, also hosts thousands of public school students each year. The visits are tied to state standards for science.

I could go on, but I’m sure you can see, our “friends” at the SCRG were targeting Taylor. Targeting him with deceiving mailers. Why? I, along with thousands of others statewide, believe it was because Taylor did not support vouchers. As in, vouchers that would take money out of public schools and put that money into private schools. Private schools who would not have any accountability. Not for test scores, not for taking any and ALL students who wanted to attend.

On the other side, you had Mark Willis. Willis will tell you that he had hired a consultant to raise money. Willis will tell you it was this consultant, not him, who solicited the funds from the SCRG. And Willis will tell you that he didn’t have any ties, or affiliation to the SCRG. HE sure did accept their money now didn’t he?

The SCRG has several affiliated groups. The Club for Growth among them. That same organization also contributed to Willis.

Fast forward two years later. Adam Taylor is not seeking re-election. Willis ran and won the Republican nomination for the seat.

THIS time, Willis claims he’s pro public education. This time he claims his children are in public schools. My question is, how long have they ATENDED public schools? IF they suddenly enrolled after he lost in 2006 I have a problem with his motivation.

He says his wife teaches in public school. Again, my question is, how long? He claims he’s against vouchers.

Yet, mysteriously, last week residents of Laurens County got a mail-out sent BY the SCRG in SUPPORT of Willis. The SCRG’S MAIN GOAL is to get vouchers enacted in SC.

In this mailer they claim Willis is for more technology in schools. Smaller class sizes, and more highly qualified teachers. All these things are great, in THEORY! With the legislature already CUTTING MILLIONS from public education to balance the budget my question to Mark Willis is HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FUND THESE?????

It’s EASY to SAY you want all these things. It is MUCH HARDER to make them a reality. Now, let me say, Mark Willis and I agree on two things. He’s spot on that Laurens County schools need better technology, and smaller class sizes. The challenge has been and WILL be funding.

And, mark my words, with the newly instituted way schools are funded through sales taxes and NOT property taxes public schools are in for some rocky straights.

While I am not totally impressed with what I heard from Michael Turner during their debate last Thursday I’ll say this, Mark Willis has changed his positions, and loyalties way too much in two short years for my taste.

To me, he’s saying what he thinks he NEEDS to say to get elected. What’s he going to do once he gets to Columbia? To me, he WON”T be an advocate for Laurens County, and WON’T be an advocate for public education.

That’s enough to make say, if I had a vote, I’d be voting for Michael Turner.

That’s my rant, what’s yours?

What? No Darth Vader?

The past week has been a wild one in sports.

We’ve seen the Tampa Bay Rays complete their worst to first story book season by punching their ticket to the World Series.

Just as the Atlanta Braves of 1991, these Rays have gone from laughing stocks to THE Cinderella story of the year in sports.

Alas, not everyone is happy. The suits at Fox Sports who paid millions of dollars for the rights to broadcast the fall classic were praying for a Los Angeles versus Boston match-up.

Now, to them, they’re “stuck.” Stuck with a Cinderella story, but WITHOUT Darth Vader.

Every great story has a hero and a villain. A good guy, and a bad guy. Now, I ask you, how can you NOT root for the Rays and the Phillies?

Tampa Bay is the prototypical chalk up one to the little guy. On the other side, the usually easy to hate Phillies have Charlie Manuel. The “good guy” who always is nice, smiles, is jovial. Compound those qualities with the fact he just attended his mothers funeral and you have a problem. There’s not really anyone to loath. You have two feel good stories. Good for society, BAD FOR RATINGS!

Mark it down, this will go down as one of THE least watched world series ever. It’s sad, but true. I for one, am picking the Rays to win in 6 games.

Time will tell.

On to other odds and ends. I appreciate the feed back I received over last weeks rant. It’s good to know people are reading the blog, and more importantly giving me feed back. Sadly, I have NOT heard that the powers that be in Laurens 55 and/or 56 are going to be PROACTIVE and announce that competitive cheer and/or swimming is on the horizon for the 2009-2010 school year.

I was hoping, after totally blowing their arguments out of the water that they’d admit they were wrong and would do the right thing”

Maybe they’re just getting that committee together, who’ll appoint a sub-committee, who’ll then get a focus group together, who’ll make recommendations…. You get my point.

I’m hoping, sooner rather than later that we’ll hear, officially, they’ll take a step into the 21st century and give these kids an opportunity.

It’s good to see Laurens is off to their best start since 1996. At 7-1 and 2-0 in the region, they have a crucial home game this Friday against Westside.

It’d be neat to see the home stands full and fans being FANS and cheering their heads off Friday.

That’s my rant, what’s yours?

Time for a reality check

The last time I checked the calendar it told me we were in October of 2008. Sadly, it seems that some folks are caught living in the past. Living with old, out-dated thinking, ideas, and vision.

And no, I am not talking about Laurens County Council! Not this time at least.

I am talking about the people who think that cheerleading is not a sport, think there’s not enough interest, think there are not enough resources, and think the kids in small town South Carolina can’t keep up with the larger schools in bigger cities.

For years, I have heard weak arguments such as the ones I just mentioned. I’ve heard them from principals, athletic directors, district office personnel from both Laurens School Districts 55 and 56.

With a new man in charge of Laurens 56 as well as Clinton High School, and the vision in place in Laurens 55, the time is now, not later, to change the way some things are done.

Let’s review. A story printed this summer in the Clinton Chronicle detailed the situation at Clinton High School. Dale Roth the “sponsor” of the cheerleading squad was quoted as saying it was appropriate that her “program” wasn’t funded and stated there wasn’t an “interest” in letting the cheerleading squads compete.

At the same time, these “cheerleaders” are required to raise money to attend summer camp, learn routines, all the things that kids who “compete” do as well.

If you’re not going to compete, why make the kids spend the money?

I’ve heard the argument from people at Laurens High School over the years that there isn’t a facility in Laurens County for kids to learn tumbling and some of the other skills necessary to realistically compete at the level expected of a competition squad.

Well, now there is. Michelle Spires has assembled quite a facility and staff at the Laurens COUNTY Gymnastics Center. The facility is located at 970 Old Airport Road, which according to Mapquest.com is 8.43 miles from Clinton High School and 5.79 miles from Laurens High School.

That’s about as close to in the middle as you could expect distance wise.

This facility offers gymnastics classes, from beginner to advanced, and will begin offering a competition gymnastics AND cheerleading opportunity after Christmas.

They have a staff that offers the experience to teach tumbling.

Second, I have had some in administration tell me that schools in their regions don’t compete either. In Region 1-AAAA Wren and Easley not only compete, but HOST cheerleading competitions. Wren co-hosted a competition October 11th while Easley will be hosting one on October 18th. Both schools have made it to the upper state finals of their respective divisions in the last few years.

In Clinton’s region, Union, Blue Ridge and Riverside compete. Riverside placed in the top 5 in the state in recent years.

Third, Whitmire, Ware Shoals, Woodruff, Liberty, Pendleton, Walhalla, Aynor, and Belton-Honea Path, all schools in rural towns, field competitive cheerleading squads.

When I heard the issue of funding this summer I surveyed several schools. Woodruff, B-HP, Ware Shoals and Union ALL fund these squads at some level.

Wayne Green, the Athletic Director at B-HP who is as old school as you can get, funds one hundred percent of the expenses of the schools program, save the cost of a bus driver. Granted, B-HP does their share of fundraisers, including hosting a competition. This should illustrate that rural town South Carolina can, if done properly, give an opportunity to kids that are available in larger communities.

So, now that every single argument that has been raised over the years has been addressed, a sane, rational, adult would believe that the powers that be in both Laurens 55 as well as Laurens 56 would wake up and realize the opportunity they have.

Not to beat a dead horse, but some pretty sharp people in economic development told me that one of the first things that corporations look at are facilities and recreational opportunities for their employees.

While I am not saying having or not having competitive cheerleading squads at Laurens and Clinton would be the deal breaker, I have to believe that the more opportunities available the better.

Why stop there? The YMCA’S of Clinton and Laurens recently announced a cooprtative effort in fielding a Laurens COUNTY swim team.

Each YMCA has a heated indoor swimming facility. It would seem to me, that Clinton and Laurens High School could easily strike an agreement with these YMCA’S to help in establishing a swim team at each school.

The moral to this rant is this… it’s time to embrace change. Time to embrace advancement of opportunities. It is NOT the time to stone wall. It is NOT time to say “we’ve never done that before.”

You have every opportunity to be a part of the ever-expanding job of economic development. The recent developments in the short falls of public school funding due to the switch from property taxes to sales taxes should make all of us understand the need to expand and grow business in Laurens County.

Instead of sticking your heads in the sand, swallow hard, and take the opportunity to offer some new things. Football, baseball and basketball and tennis are great.

At the same time, I’m willing to bet that if offered, and promoted, PROPERLY, that these new programs would attract a significant number of new athletes to the schools.

That’s my rant, what’s yours?

Now THAT’S home field advantage!

Last Saturday, the Presbyterian College Blue Hose traveled to Boone, NC for a game against the three times defending national champion Appalachian State Mountaineers.

The game was scheduled for a 7pm start, the first night game scheduled in Boone since the beginning of the 2001 season.

On that night, against a team in just it’s second season in Division I FCS (the artist formerly known as I-AA) it was listed as a sell-out with an estimated actual attendance of over 20,000 fans.

I’ve been to games at Williams-Brice to see the Gamecocks, to Death-Valley for a Clemson game, and even to Charlotte to see the Panthers.

Last Saturday night, to me, was the epitome of what sports is all about. The Mountaineer fans were there, early, loud and even on a rainy night made their stadium a true home field advantage.

When PC had the ball, they were loud. As if on queue, when PC had it on 3rd down, the PA announcer would hit the first few measures of AC/DC’S Hells Bells and then the crowd went nuts!

The stands literally shook (made me think back to the days of if it ain’t swaying, we ain’t playing) and the crowd truly was the 12th man!

That same atmosphere has been replicated in certain stadiums on Friday nights. Just last Friday, when we were in Mauldin for the game with Laurens, the 4th quarter belonged to the Raider fans.

When I can hear them, clear across the field, being LOUDER than the Mauldin fans that’s impressive.

On the Greg Lawson show last night at The Hub, coach specifically mentioned that the fans, and their noise were a huge factor in keeping the kids pumped up when their backs were against the wall and Laurens pulled out the win.

Some old-timers will say players shouldn’t concern themselves with what the fans say, or how loud fans get. To a certain point, they’re right. At the same time, let’s be honest, in that kids are kids. They play with emotion. The more POSITIVE things they hear coming from the stands the better off they will be.

So, this Friday, when Laurens hosts Dorman, and Clinton hosts Riverside, the fans have yet another opportunity to be that 12th man.

Laurens is 5-0 for the first time since 1987. Win, lose, or draw, the Raiders have everything to gain and truly nothing to lose against Dorman. Dorman is literally twice the size of Laurens with Dorman boasting over 3200 students. That Big 16 school gives the Raiders an extra point in the playoff formula.

The lessons the Raiders learn going against Dorman will play out the next five weeks during region play.

I’ve heard many a Raider fan saying they long for the days when year in and year out the Raiders were contending for the region title and a state title.

While I’m not ready to declare them ready for the latter, I certainly feel that this Raider team is ready to contend to claim their first region title in quite a while.

So, when you get to K.C. Hanna stadium Friday night, go ahead, relax, let your hair down, and be a true 12th man, OR woman for the kids. They and YOU deserve it!

That’s my rant, what’s yours????

Ok, I’ve had enough!!!!!

I have had to bite my tongue many times the last several weeks. Not because of County Council, or a sports topic, but because of the recent spike in gas prices.

Let’s be perfectly clear, I truly feel, we, the consumers are the ones being ripped off!

Even before the fear of Hurricanes Fay and Ike sent prices spiraling higher the price of crude oil had steadily gone down for weeks.

It seemed like every day that the rice of crude oil was at a 7-month low. Just last week it had settled at “just” $87.00 a barrel.

Yet, gas kept spiraling up and up. Now, I understand supplu side economics, supply and demand and all that good stuff. At the same time, I also know that it bothers me that gas stations and big oil companies can “speculate” and raise the price whenever they want, yet, when THEIR expense goes down, namely crude oil, they don’t automatically LOWER the price.

The recent bout with the Hurricane Ike crisis exhibited just how far some people are willing to go to get a fast buck. In less than 48 hours I observed one local gas station raise their price of gasoline a total of $1.55 per gallon over 7 price increases!!!!!!

I understand that local gas stations are subject just as we are to the changing price whenever they get a new shipment of gas, but when local stations prey on local customers by raising constantly their price on gas ALREADY in the ground I have issues.

To me, it comes down to what’s ethically and morally correct. The recent episode we have all had to live through has made me come t the conclusion that the decisions gas stations made were neither morally nor ethically correct.

You can hand me the excuse that corporate sets prices but at the same tie, when a station maintains a price that is 73 cents higher then a competitor across the street, corporate made a horrible decision.

My morale to the story is this, remember long and hard the station whom took advantage of us during this recent episode and only frequent the ones who tried their best to maintain som sense of sanity.

My case in point ism this morning The Plot Travel Center at exit 52 off of I-26 had unleaded gasoline for $3.69, the next lowest rice I found between Clinton and Laurens was $3.95.

See the disparity? That’s my rant, what’s yours?

Develop now, win BIG later!

What a busy week we had last week. Monday was the Bobby Bentley Show at Fatz Café. Tuesday we were at The Hub for some wings and Laurens Raider football with the Greg Lawson Show. Wednesday, Big Gene had us at KC Hanna Stadium for the Middle School Football Jamboree and again Thursday for the Laurens versus Clinton 9th grade and JV games. We capped off the week with the Laurens versus Clinton varsity game at Clinton and then the trek to Elon, NC for PC versus Elon.

Being at all those games Wednesday through Saturday gave me a chance to really see where some priorities are and where they maybe ought to be.

Everyone likes to win. I hate to lose, at anything! Whether it’s playing a game of bowling with my kids at home on Wii or coaching soccer. The list could go on and on.

At the same time, I also know there’s a time and place for anything. I congratulate the Raiders on a very impressive win Friday night. Truth be told, as some very loyal Red Devil fans mentioned at Church yesterday, Laurens could have easily scored 60 points in the game.

At the same time, look at the history of the Clinton program. I use them only as an example. I could easily insert Byrnes, Gaffney, and Summerville as examples.

The Clinton football PROGRAM has AVERAGED an incredible 9 wins per year for decades!

Three yards and a cloud of dust has been the tried and true method in many a state championship for the Red Devils over the years.

One of the reasons is consistency. From the time players get involved in the program at the middle school level they learn the terminology run at the high school. They learn the same blocking techniques, the plays.

From all the coaches I have talked too, this makes it exponentially easier once the kids are at the high school since the coaches don’t have to waste time in teaching terminology, numbering systems, and plays. The kids already have had it for two years.

At Byrnes High School, from the time the players are in recreation league football, through middle school and into high school all the various teams use same defense, offense, and even numbering system for plays.

Middle Schools that feed into Byrnes, Gaffney, Summerville, Ridge View, Blythewood, and Conway are also required to attempt extra points.

There is no rush allowed. The kicker has ten seconds from the time the ball is snapped to get the attempt off.

The logic the coaches tell me is it develops the kicker, but the holder as well as the long snapper.

How many times have you been to a game or watched a game where a field goal could have won the game only to see a team no even try one?

How many times have you seen a team go for 2 because they didn’t have a reliable kicker?

To me, it’s a no-brainer. If you truly want a successful program at the high school level, year in and year out it takes a collective effort. It starts at the rec league level goes to the middle schools and continues on into high school.

Along the way, the kids will get better, and consequently, coaches will win more games. At the same time, I ask you, which is more important, going undefeated in middle school football or winning a state championship in varsity high school action? The latter of course.

So, I think the time has come for Jason Pridgen with the City of Laurens league and the higher ups in Laurens District 55 to give the directive that their coaches coordinate with Coach Lawson on beginning the steps at making sure all he teams are on the same page.

If ALL the middle schools are trying extra points and actually punting on 4th down then to me, there won’t be a tremendous competitive advantage/disadvantage.

If they play a team from out of district and that school won’t agree to the same directive then fine, go for 2 and go for it on 4th down.

At the same time, when they play each other, they can start the process of developing the vital weapons needed to be successful at the varsity level.

As Coach Lawson has told me, he doesn’t care what plays coaches run as long as the terminology is the same, the defensive formation is the same, and the teaching is the same.

There will be some who think I am way off base and they are entitled to their opinion. I would also point out they, for the most part are more concerned with winning, NOW, regardless of level then they are at helping Laurens get back to the days of being a consistent winner as it was in the days of Buddy Jennings and Bobby Ivey.

So, in closing, last Friday was a great night, but in order to insure it’s not a once in a while occurrence the time has come to work together. The choice is yours. I challenge parents to hold their child’s coaches accountable, to make sure they are part of the solution, not the problem.

And, if any coaches have a differing view, always remember, I’ve got a live microphone ready and waiting. Just be sure you have your facts straight, because I never twist words. Rather, I let peoples words speak for themselves. Just ask certain Laurens County Council members!

That’s my rant, what’s yours????

Progress, Narrow-Minded People, and setting the record straight!

When you live in Laurens County, who needs soap operas on TV! If you like petty drama, you live in the right place. All you have to do is listen to Emil’s morning news, or pick up The Chronicle to read the latest in a long line of narrow-minded people saying small-minded things without giving thought to the bigger picture.

Now, before you jump to conclusions I am not solely referring to the debacle over the PC Pharmacy school.

I heard Big Gene talking Monday about how the residents around the Mile Back had reared their ugly heads again over whether the racetrack should be allowed to operate.

Other people are still ranting about the land-fill headed to the Gray Court area. I could go on but you get the picture.

I am constantly amazed at how narrow minded people can be. Several years ago Laurens County residents had the opportunity to make their voices heard about the issue of zoning. From what I understand, certain concerned zit-zensss were very effective at scaring people into thinking that a land use plan would totally restrict what they could do on their own property.

Some of those same people who got scared into voting against zoning are the very people pushing County Council to foolishly pass an ordinance trying to block the land fill. That ordinance wouldn’t hold up in court, would get the county sued and more than likely make the county go in the red to the tune of several million dollars!

The list goes on and on. We’re in the 2008, not 1958, Laurens County, through progressive leadership can position the county to expand our growth. Attract new business, new opportunities for revenue, including non-traditional revenue, such as recreation complexes along with baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis tournaments. All of whom would produce residual income opportunities for hotels, restaurants and other business owners.

Supposed leaders who can’t see the forest through the trees and constantly embarrass the entire county by what they say and do need to either buy a clue and be a true leader or strongly consider stepping down and let someone else give it a try.

One of the things that we, as a station, and myself as an individual try to do is always do something to the best of our abilities.

Whether it’s a Laurens, PC or some other sporting event, we approach those with the thought process of making it sound the best it possibly can. We never settle for just getting by.

Some of the counties leaders would do well to remember they not only represent their individual districts of the county but ALL the citizens of the county. If they strive to make the ENTIRE county better, their individual districts would be better off in the process.

Some people get upset when Randy, Emil, Gene, or I call people out on air when we disagree with things. OR, take pot shots on message boards.

Let me assure you, I have always and will continue to call them like I see them. I always base my opinions on the facts as I see them. And, more often than not, that means I’m right. Not always but a vast majority of the time.

So, let this put folks on notice, if you think that Laurens County was fine in 1958 and that in 2008 we can get by with the same line of thinking, you’re wrong. And, I’ll be more than happy to continue pointing that out. And, unlike some folks when you misrepresent the facts and/or figures I’ll be glad to let folks know you’re off base too!

That’s my rant, what’s yours?

Can't Resist It!

How bout them TIGGERS!!!!!!!

Anyone who has listened to my show for more than a few minutes over the years knows I am a tried and true Gamecock fan.

They also know my nickname for Clemson is Pickens County A&M. Needless to say, I never pass up an attempt to poke fun!

Last Saturday’s debacle inside the Georgia Dome was too good to pass up. I had quite a lot of fun playing the audio from the Alabama fans articulating, as only they can do, how badly their Crimson Tide had beaten Clemson.

I also got several emails from Gamecock fans having their own fun. This “news” story was the best of the bunch. It was submitted by Mike from Ware Shoals:

Breaking News From NCN (Not Clemson Network)

8-31-08

Georgia Highway Patrol reports a large caravan of veterinarian ambulances headed north on I-85 in the early hours of Sunday morning. NCN sent a reporter Charlie Gamecock to check on this reported sighting. Charlie reports that a quick look through the windows revealed that they seemed to be carrying wounded Bengal tigers. Photos made through the darkened windows indicated that most of the tigers appeared to be badly beaten. Most showed numerous scars on their body and a state of shear exhaustion. Close examination of the photos seemed to indicate that many had missing claws and / or teeth. The trainers who accompanied the animals also appeared to be very saddened and concerned. It is also reported that the head trainer was reportedly seen on TV that the attack on his pride of tigers came at the feet of a herd of elephants that were also seen leaving Atlanta headed toward the state of Alabama.

In a curious footnote, automobiles that were spotted headed toward Atlanta in the hours before the attack sporting the color orange and markings that appeared to be a tiger paw. The occupants of these vehicles appeared to be in a jovial mood as they approached the Atlanta area. After the alleged attack, these same vehicles were reported headed back toward the state of South Carolina in what appeared to many observers to be a funeral procession. NCN plans on doing a follow-up to this story to see if these supporters appear in public over the next few days wearing these curious colors and markings.

TOO FUNNY MIKE! Oh, and by the way, that loud burst of wind you felt Saturday night…was the wind coming out of the sails of those BCS title hopes some Clemson fans had going into this year!

Oh well, there’s always The Citadel Saturday! And, be careful, don’t underestimate those pound ups, just ask us Carolina fans. I still remember that game in the early 90’s! Ruined the fair for all USC fans!

That’s my rant. What’s yours?

It’s all in your perspective!

As I woke up this morning and looked at the calendar the realization has hit that this week is the true start of the football season!

Clinton opens up on the road at Newberry, Laurens is at home against BHP, Whitmire has a home game, while Ware Shoals is on the road at Saluda, and Laurens Academy is at home against Patrick Henry.

Add to the mix, USC opens up the college season at home on national television Thursday against NC State; I get an up close view of Presbyterian College taking on Wofford in Spartanburg Saturday night. Clemson, in a made-for-TV money game tries to start the road to that elusive ACC title when they play Alabama in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Last time I checked, Clemson doesn’t have such fond memories of that place.

Saturday also sees SC State hit the playing field to collect a hefty paycheck from Central Florida. The list could go on and on.

This time of year the optimism of fans, true fans at least, is always high. Every team has an unblemished record. And fans are charged up for the upcoming season.

Sadly, that optimism for some erodes to cynicism and name-calling and coach bashing.

In my many years in broadcasting I have seen many games at many levels. And I am constantly amazed at how some “fans” will pay their money to come to a game only to sit on their hands and even get irritated when people around them actually get into the game and cheer their teams.

Granted, when you pay your money for a ticket, logic tells me that, within reason, you have the right to sit on your hands if you want too.

That being said, are you really a true fan? Never underestimate the power of a crowd on impressionable athletes. Whether that be high school OR college.

Coaches and old school cynics will tell you that athletes should ignore the fans. And, to a certain extent they’re right. At the same time, I have to believe and have heard it countless times from athletes that yes, indeed, they hear the fans--the good, bad, and unconscionable.

The fans have a great opportunity this year to set a great example for the athletes.

They can stand up, clap, and even actually raise their voices in CHEERING positive things. Last time I checked, it wasn’t against the rules for fans to get loud when the opponent has the ball to try to distract the opposing team.

Last time I checked it was perfectly acceptable to make some noise when your team makes a first down.

And, most important of all, it’s ok to come to a game and let loose a little. I have even seen accountants, who have the stigma as being very subdued “bean counters,” actually unbutton that top button on their shirts and let loose for three hours!

The fans have the chance to actually be a reinforcing positive influence this year. Take advantage of it! And I am not singling out any one team. I could give you examples of many high schools and college teams whose fans at times have been less than positive. I even remember getting a cell phone call while I was in Indianapolis a few years back from a certain high school game in Columbia in December where some fans where showing their true colors in the direction of the coaches wives and significant others!

Take this tongue in cheek and for what it’s meant to do. If you are a true fan you’re agreeing with me, if you’re not, and I have struck a nerve…good, maybe it was the wake-up call you needed.

See you at the games. There’s plenty to choose from!

Is it REALLY time for school?????

I looked at my calendar and it says August 18th. Where has the summer gone? It seems like just yesterday that we were attending field days, an end of school assembly and getting those end of school year gifts for teachers.

Fast forward to an alarm going off WAY too early this morning. The Avery clan definitely enjoyed an action packed summer.

They made the most of the summer swimming, spending hours on end on the trampoline and seeing which one could stay up the longest.

As you can imagine, when we started cutting back on how late they could stay up last week the reality that summer, indeed was over set in.

The new school year presents all our children with new opportunities. Whether they attend school in Laurens 55, 56, or Greenwood 51 the great thing about a new school year is everyone has the opportunity at starting with a clean slate.

That includes the area high school football teams. I’ve had the opportunity to see quite a bit of football these last few weeks. And, while it’s easy as a “fan” to get frustrated we all should remember what the goals truly are.

Good coaches utilize scrimmages and jamborees to evaluate players, work on certain facets of their offense and defense and gear toward the start of the regular season.

Just as we never see starters in the NFL for more than a series or two in the pre-season the same is true for college and high school.

We all should remember, it doesn’t matter HOW GOOD or BAD for that matter teams look in the pre-season. It matters how they look once they tee it up on Friday nights.

So, take a deep breath, and get ready to cheer your favorite teams on Friday nights AND while I’m at it, let me remind you that we all need to be careful out and about starting today since there’ll be a lot more kids out and about with school back in session.

That’s my rant, what’s yours?

Progressive Thinking

A few weeks ago my family and I took a much-needed vacation down to Hilton Head Island.

While we were there, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of people from Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Canada, and Indiana…we counted license plates from 27 different states as well as Canada of people vacationing.

We also noticed how uniform the signage still is for area businesses -- a result of zoning.

While on vacation I got an email from a friend who asked if I had heard about the latest county council meeting.

After doing some checking and reading three different versions of stories from that meeting, it seems that a member of council made a statement to the effect that his problem was that county council had gotten into economic development and forgotten what they were really there for??????

I know there are a few members of council who think I am not the brightest guy in the world, but it seems to me that it IS their job to be at the forefront of bringing as much economic development to Laurens County as possible!

This same member of council allegedly indicated he’d rather spend the money being proposed to help with the new pharmacy school PC is locating in Clinton on EMS and the sheriff’s department.

While it’s noble for this member to want to “help” those two fine departments he IS the SAME member who back in 2004, when we were being bombarded by rising gas prices, said that if those departments couldn’t stay within their budgets, maybe they needed to park some vehicles!

Laurens County is located near two interstates. You’re able to get to downtown Greenville and Spartanburg in less than 40 minutes. We, in my opinion, are right on the cusp of breaking out of the lull brought about by the closing of Timken.

What Laurens County needs are leaders who are progressive thinking. People who can think outside the box. People who are able to understand the difference between an investment and an expense.

Contributing money that brings high paying pharmacy jobs, or recreation complexes, or tax incentives for large businesses to locate in the county is an investment.

Those expenditures will continually bring residual income back into the county coffers. And, in case some members of council are unaware, when a person sends money in Clinton, that tax money actually does bring benefit to districts in the entire other end of the county!

In short, I think it’s time for we, as a whole in the county to demand that our leaders step up and be progressive as opposed to being stuck in a 1980’s mind set.

Oh, and just in case you didn’t hear, even the county attorney stated that the deal between PC, the City of Clinton, and the County is NOT a separation of Church and State violation! What’s your next argument for opposing progress????

That’s my rant, what’s yours?????

Talk About Being SPOILED!!!!

I look at my calendar and it says August 2008, and for the first time in a generation the Atlanta Braves are not knee deep in the middle of a pennant race!

That’s right, for the first time since the 1990 season the Atlanta Braves were sellers not buyers at the trade deadline, as evidenced when they traded first baseman Mark Teixeira at the deadline to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and a minor leaguer.

Now, being forty-four I am old enough to remember the days when losing was an every year occurrence for the Bravos! The days when 7000 fans was a mob at a game, and the Braves found a ton of different ways to lose!

Once the Braves accomplished their worst to first season of 1991 they reeled off a string of division titles that had Braves fans nationwide used to winning!

Although the Braves managed only one world championship (1995) in their impressive run, no one can argue that The Atlanta Braves were the blue print when it came to running an organization.

From scouting and player development to developing their fan base the Braves paid attention to every detail.

Fast forward to 2008, the Braves are two owners removed from the days of Ted Turner, and the Braves are a middle of the pack team. That being said, while I, too, am disappointed that the Braves are seemingly going to miss the post-season for the third consecutive season, I also see the potential for another run.

The Braves will have ample money to wisely pursue free agents this off-season. There’s uncertainty in the starting rotation and a dire need for a power hitting corner outfielder.

At the same time, with the expiring Mike Hampton contract, the money saved with the trade of “Tex” to the Angels, and the impending decisions of John Smoltz and Tom Glavine, the Braves will definitely have the cash to spend on re-tooling the club.

There’s definitely talent down on the farm both via position players as well as pitchers.

The Baltimore Orioles of the 90’s and the Dodgers and Yankees of this decade have shown us that throwing money around wildly doesn’t always guarantee championships.

The combination of money and quality baseball minds is the true recipe for a long-term winner.

And, with apologies to my rotund friend Big Gene, the Cubs will STILL be without a championship at seasons end. After all they ARE the loveable losers, the Chicago Cubs!

That’s my rant, what’s yours? I hope you like the blog; feel free to respond. By the way, been to any County Council meetings lately? Who needs TV when we can have our own drama right here in good ole Laurens County!