Almost seven and a half years ago I embarked on my professional relationship with Emil Finley and WLBG-AM.
Over these seven plus years I’ve been a part of broadcasting over a thousand live events, everything from Laurens High School football, basketball, baseball, softball and even a soccer match and a couple of volleyball games.
There have been wonderful experiences of being a part of bringing you middle school events, Dixie youth events, Christmas parades and my afternoon show, In The Zone.
I was recently offered the opportunity of a new challenge, one I have accepted as Director of Broadcast Services for Presbyterian College.
My main responsibilities will be to continue as the voice of Presbyterian College athletics on the radio as well as hosting and producing the various television shows for football and basketball as well as assisting in enhancing the coverage and exposure for the other sports at PC.
This challenge will force me to step away as the voice of Laurens Raider athletics as well as my afternoon show on WLBG.
This opportunity will allow me not only a new challenge but also as important will offer me more time to spend with my family.
I’ll embark on this new challenge on July 1st. While I will not actively play a part in broadcasting Laurens Raider athletics, I will always have a special place in my heart for the many coaches, athletes and fans that I have come in contact with these seven plus years.
I’ll continue producing a morning sports report for WLBG and will definitely be following the progress of all the teams I’ve interacted with over the years.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
ON STRIKE!
Well friends and neighbors, it’s the dog days of summer, and with that there are lots of things to do, people to see, and fun to have with the kids.
MY new resolution is you get what you pay for…so, have fun, behave yourselves, and the blog will be back at a date to be determined by the powers at be.
Ta ta for now.
MY new resolution is you get what you pay for…so, have fun, behave yourselves, and the blog will be back at a date to be determined by the powers at be.
Ta ta for now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Time Flies - Don't Blow It!
It’s seems like just yesterday, but it was actually six years ago, March 24, 2003 that the first In The Zone for Sports Show aired on WLBG.
My, how things have changed in six years. Six years ago I was doing a morning show in Columbia on ESPN Radio 1230 and then would drive the hour and a half to Laurens to work an afternoon show.
In six years the landscape of my life and sports has changed dramatically. Six years ago John Robert, aka Jon-Jon was in 8th grade. Savannah was still in kindergarten and the wins were not even two years old yet.
We fast forward to the present to find JR in his second year of college, Savannah is a 5th grader and the twins are in first grade.
I recently joined “the present” as people tell me when I created a Facebook page. I like to consider myself somewhat technology savvy but I have to tell you that when you think back 15 years who’d have thought most people would think they just couldn’t live without a cell phone.
That I would replace a big duffel bag of CD’s with an iPod that currently carries 10,000 songs on it.
Amanda joined Facebook a month ago and even she will admit she’s hooked. I also must admit that it’s been neat reconnecting with people that were a part of my life in times past. Kids that I coached in soccer, taught in Sunday School or just simply knew have grown leaps and bounds.
Some have already graduated college, gotten married and some even have their own children.
My how time flies. That being said, one thing I also believe strongly in is that age is a number. We all have one “birth date” yet year after year we count the number of birthdays. Sometimes we get so caught up in numbers that we forget we are only as young as we feel.
I know plenty of young 45 year olds. I also know plenty of old 25 year olds. Don’t get me wrong, if I had life to live over again, I’m sure there are several things I could have done differently, but I also know that I wouldn’t change much.
It seems like every week I hear about a friend who is battling an illness. Cancer has gripped several people close to me and it has served as a wakeup call.
The time we spend on this earth is precious. Just as quickly as it was given to us, God can take it away. It’s the time between that we all need to remind ourselves that each day is precious. Don’t blow it.
My, how things have changed in six years. Six years ago I was doing a morning show in Columbia on ESPN Radio 1230 and then would drive the hour and a half to Laurens to work an afternoon show.
In six years the landscape of my life and sports has changed dramatically. Six years ago John Robert, aka Jon-Jon was in 8th grade. Savannah was still in kindergarten and the wins were not even two years old yet.
We fast forward to the present to find JR in his second year of college, Savannah is a 5th grader and the twins are in first grade.
I recently joined “the present” as people tell me when I created a Facebook page. I like to consider myself somewhat technology savvy but I have to tell you that when you think back 15 years who’d have thought most people would think they just couldn’t live without a cell phone.
That I would replace a big duffel bag of CD’s with an iPod that currently carries 10,000 songs on it.
Amanda joined Facebook a month ago and even she will admit she’s hooked. I also must admit that it’s been neat reconnecting with people that were a part of my life in times past. Kids that I coached in soccer, taught in Sunday School or just simply knew have grown leaps and bounds.
Some have already graduated college, gotten married and some even have their own children.
My how time flies. That being said, one thing I also believe strongly in is that age is a number. We all have one “birth date” yet year after year we count the number of birthdays. Sometimes we get so caught up in numbers that we forget we are only as young as we feel.
I know plenty of young 45 year olds. I also know plenty of old 25 year olds. Don’t get me wrong, if I had life to live over again, I’m sure there are several things I could have done differently, but I also know that I wouldn’t change much.
It seems like every week I hear about a friend who is battling an illness. Cancer has gripped several people close to me and it has served as a wakeup call.
The time we spend on this earth is precious. Just as quickly as it was given to us, God can take it away. It’s the time between that we all need to remind ourselves that each day is precious. Don’t blow it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Time for change
I awoke this morning and looked at the calendar and was amazed to realize we’re almost through the month of February!
It’s hard to believe we’re almost through the first two months of the new year.
My children have reminded me that they’re none too happy we’ve apparently succeeded in dodging any truly measurable snowfall again!
With 2009 being upon us we also are faced with the facts that this country’s economy is still going to struggle for a while.
Locally, the choice is up to us as to how MUCH we struggle. The station ahs started running recorded promos from Randy Randall, the mayor of Clinton as well as John Carter the mayor of Gray Court along with Emil Finley, the stations president reminded folks that we, as individuals have a tremendous amount of influence as to how quickly we, locally turn the corner headed back in the right direction.
Too many times I have heard people talking about driving to Greenwood or Simpsonville to go out to eat, shop, and even buy groceries.
These same people are usually the first to complain when they hear how tight things are locally. If they stopped for a second to realize that every time they go outside the county and spend money that money stays outside the county.
The time is now for all of us to also examine our own budgets. Each school district, even with the hope of some additional revenue from the newly passed stimulus bill is also realistic that there are tough choices to make.
I think it’s time that each department of each school examine whom they spend their money with and how much.
I strongly suggest school districts as well as city and county governments put out to bid the majority of their purchases.
Now, let me point out several county and municipal entities already do that. Not only do they generally get a better price, they also shield themselves when they come under scrutiny from the general public who are looking to make sure they are being good stewards of the citizen’s money.
This year, we can all make a difference, because every dollar truly ads up. Whether it’s we as individuals, or schools or city governments, I think we all must try to not only save money, but also make every effort to spend as much of it locally as we can.
IF you start today, and make that concerted effort I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
It’s hard to believe we’re almost through the first two months of the new year.
My children have reminded me that they’re none too happy we’ve apparently succeeded in dodging any truly measurable snowfall again!
With 2009 being upon us we also are faced with the facts that this country’s economy is still going to struggle for a while.
Locally, the choice is up to us as to how MUCH we struggle. The station ahs started running recorded promos from Randy Randall, the mayor of Clinton as well as John Carter the mayor of Gray Court along with Emil Finley, the stations president reminded folks that we, as individuals have a tremendous amount of influence as to how quickly we, locally turn the corner headed back in the right direction.
Too many times I have heard people talking about driving to Greenwood or Simpsonville to go out to eat, shop, and even buy groceries.
These same people are usually the first to complain when they hear how tight things are locally. If they stopped for a second to realize that every time they go outside the county and spend money that money stays outside the county.
The time is now for all of us to also examine our own budgets. Each school district, even with the hope of some additional revenue from the newly passed stimulus bill is also realistic that there are tough choices to make.
I think it’s time that each department of each school examine whom they spend their money with and how much.
I strongly suggest school districts as well as city and county governments put out to bid the majority of their purchases.
Now, let me point out several county and municipal entities already do that. Not only do they generally get a better price, they also shield themselves when they come under scrutiny from the general public who are looking to make sure they are being good stewards of the citizen’s money.
This year, we can all make a difference, because every dollar truly ads up. Whether it’s we as individuals, or schools or city governments, I think we all must try to not only save money, but also make every effort to spend as much of it locally as we can.
IF you start today, and make that concerted effort I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It’s almost my favorite time of year!
Greetings from surprisingly warm Lynchburg, Virginia. We’re on the road with the Presbyterian College men’s basketball team.
Tomorrow will be the second game of a two game swing through Virginia. Last night the guys fought hard but took it on the chin against league leading Radford.
Tomorrow night, we take on a tough Liberty squad that features Seth Curry, Stephon Curry’s younger brother.
Why do I say it ALMOST my favorite time of the year? The biggest reason is because baseball season is just around the corner.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy football and certainly have enjoyed the college basketball season but for me, there’s just nothing like baseball.
I remember one of the first games my Dad ever took me too was in the summer of 1977, and I got to witness first hand Pete Rose’s 44-game hitting streak end at the hands of Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber.
The Braves back then were very consistent. Consistently BAD! At the same time, they were my Atlanta Braves.
WTBS was in its infancy; there was Georgia Championship wrestling, and…the Atlanta Braves. America’s team.
From that first game till now, for me, there’s nothing like the rush I get when I watch a really good baseball game. These days, I get the added pleasure of having the opportunity to broadcast my favorite sport on the radio.
One of the biggest compliments I have received in this business came when Mike Pitts, at a Laurens Dixie Youth game told me he liked my “old school” style of broadcasting.
One of the pieces of advice I ever received in this business came long ago from Bob Fulton, the long time voice of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
He said, a play by play man’s job was to be able, through words, have the listener be able to close their eyes, and imagine “watching” the game on a television set.
Our “job” is to “paint” the picture for the listener to be able to imagine being there.
As much as I enjoy working football and basketball, the challenge of “creating” the atmosphere, while taking my time in baseball is the ultimate experience.
I’m only 16 days away from the first baseball broadcast of the season when Elton Pollock’s Presbyterian College baseball team with visit the Georgia Bulldogs down in Athens for a two game series.
One thing you will learn quickly if you have not experienced a PC game before is when you come; you will not find a more hustling group of kids.
Just like Coach Nibert’s kids leave it all on the court in basketball, the same may be said for Coach Pollock’s baseball team.
Put that together with the character that his kids display on AND off the field and they epitomize the PC athlete.
So, I challenge everyone to make it a point to come out to watch the PC team in action because not only will you have a great time, you’ll be helping expose another generation of kids to a lost art.
The art of America’s favorite pastime. BASEBALL!!!!! See ya at the field!
Tomorrow will be the second game of a two game swing through Virginia. Last night the guys fought hard but took it on the chin against league leading Radford.
Tomorrow night, we take on a tough Liberty squad that features Seth Curry, Stephon Curry’s younger brother.
Why do I say it ALMOST my favorite time of the year? The biggest reason is because baseball season is just around the corner.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy football and certainly have enjoyed the college basketball season but for me, there’s just nothing like baseball.
I remember one of the first games my Dad ever took me too was in the summer of 1977, and I got to witness first hand Pete Rose’s 44-game hitting streak end at the hands of Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber.
The Braves back then were very consistent. Consistently BAD! At the same time, they were my Atlanta Braves.
WTBS was in its infancy; there was Georgia Championship wrestling, and…the Atlanta Braves. America’s team.
From that first game till now, for me, there’s nothing like the rush I get when I watch a really good baseball game. These days, I get the added pleasure of having the opportunity to broadcast my favorite sport on the radio.
One of the biggest compliments I have received in this business came when Mike Pitts, at a Laurens Dixie Youth game told me he liked my “old school” style of broadcasting.
One of the pieces of advice I ever received in this business came long ago from Bob Fulton, the long time voice of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
He said, a play by play man’s job was to be able, through words, have the listener be able to close their eyes, and imagine “watching” the game on a television set.
Our “job” is to “paint” the picture for the listener to be able to imagine being there.
As much as I enjoy working football and basketball, the challenge of “creating” the atmosphere, while taking my time in baseball is the ultimate experience.
I’m only 16 days away from the first baseball broadcast of the season when Elton Pollock’s Presbyterian College baseball team with visit the Georgia Bulldogs down in Athens for a two game series.
One thing you will learn quickly if you have not experienced a PC game before is when you come; you will not find a more hustling group of kids.
Just like Coach Nibert’s kids leave it all on the court in basketball, the same may be said for Coach Pollock’s baseball team.
Put that together with the character that his kids display on AND off the field and they epitomize the PC athlete.
So, I challenge everyone to make it a point to come out to watch the PC team in action because not only will you have a great time, you’ll be helping expose another generation of kids to a lost art.
The art of America’s favorite pastime. BASEBALL!!!!! See ya at the field!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Time for a gut check!
Well, 2009 is off to an inauspicious start! It seems every time I turn on the radio or TV there’s another report of budget cuts in Education!
Now, I am fully aware that it’s not just Education that is facing budget cuts, but let’s do a refresher course for those of you who don’t recall how we got in this situation.
Two years ago, our esteemed legislature in Columbia saw fit to change the way local school districts are funded. They went away from property tax based funding to sales tax based funding.
With the down turn in the economy, people are obviously shopping and spending less resulting in less revenue coming into the states coffers.
When the change was first proposed I don’t recall a single member of the state school districts that supported the idea since they knew that they were not going to have a steady stream of funding.
Fast-forward two years; Abbeville County had to vote to close Calhoun Falls High School, which has since been reopened as a charter school.
Laurens 55 and 56 districts have had to cut, and cut, and freeze spending and hiring of new employees.
Anderson District 5, which houses Westside and T.L. Hanna High Schools, has had to go to furloughing employees.
I would also think that there is no measure of satisfaction for educators to be able to tell the state legislature and Governor Sanford “I told you so.”
At the same time that the legislature voted to go to sales tax based funding they also voted to do away with the sales tax on groceries. Say what you will, but when you cut, and cut, and cut taxes that funding HAS to come from somewhere or, well, you see how the state ends up!
This year is very crucial for our state It’s time to be innovative in our leadership.
We certainly don’t need any of the SCRG apologists doing the “locked in failing schools” rhetoric!
So, do all of us a favor, call, write, go see your local state senators and representatives and tell them it’s time to reevaluate school funding.
For those of you who want to give me the argument that it’s not your problem because all your kids are grown and out of school, let me remind you that one day, you yourself will need medical care, homes repaired, the list could go on and on. If we don’t do the job of educating our children CORRECTLY who’s going to be there to help YOU…PROPERLY?????
That’s my rant! What’s yours?
Now, I am fully aware that it’s not just Education that is facing budget cuts, but let’s do a refresher course for those of you who don’t recall how we got in this situation.
Two years ago, our esteemed legislature in Columbia saw fit to change the way local school districts are funded. They went away from property tax based funding to sales tax based funding.
With the down turn in the economy, people are obviously shopping and spending less resulting in less revenue coming into the states coffers.
When the change was first proposed I don’t recall a single member of the state school districts that supported the idea since they knew that they were not going to have a steady stream of funding.
Fast-forward two years; Abbeville County had to vote to close Calhoun Falls High School, which has since been reopened as a charter school.
Laurens 55 and 56 districts have had to cut, and cut, and freeze spending and hiring of new employees.
Anderson District 5, which houses Westside and T.L. Hanna High Schools, has had to go to furloughing employees.
I would also think that there is no measure of satisfaction for educators to be able to tell the state legislature and Governor Sanford “I told you so.”
At the same time that the legislature voted to go to sales tax based funding they also voted to do away with the sales tax on groceries. Say what you will, but when you cut, and cut, and cut taxes that funding HAS to come from somewhere or, well, you see how the state ends up!
This year is very crucial for our state It’s time to be innovative in our leadership.
We certainly don’t need any of the SCRG apologists doing the “locked in failing schools” rhetoric!
So, do all of us a favor, call, write, go see your local state senators and representatives and tell them it’s time to reevaluate school funding.
For those of you who want to give me the argument that it’s not your problem because all your kids are grown and out of school, let me remind you that one day, you yourself will need medical care, homes repaired, the list could go on and on. If we don’t do the job of educating our children CORRECTLY who’s going to be there to help YOU…PROPERLY?????
That’s my rant! What’s yours?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What’s Really Important??????
I’ve spent a lot of time the last few months speaking to kids in several area middle schools.
It’s been pretty cool meeting some incredible children. At the same time, it’s definitely been a ye-opening experience.
You have to realize that I have been speaking to students for many years. I always try to relate my personal experiences along with tying it back to their always going after their dreams but at the same time having a back up plan.
Every time I speak to a class, there always seems to be a few kids who’s only plan is becoming a pro athlete. While that is ad admirable dream it also is a dream with very long odds.
Statistics show that in 2004 only 1 our of every 1200 kids who played a varsity sport in high school would ever go to college on an athletic scholarship.
OF those, statistics showed that only 1 of 662 regardless of sport would sign a professional contract.
There was new information just received from the NCAA on football players.
3,000 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players eligible for pro football in
2004. Of those, 252 were drafted into the NFL. Of those drafted, about 60
made NFL rosters. Beyond that, only a quarter of the first-year players played3.3 seasons, the average length of an NFL career.
Let’s put that in perspective, only ½ of a percent of players at the 1A level (Clemson and South Carolina) made an NFL roster. Of those only 1 in 4 will survive to play 3.3 seasons.
Now, take the story of Myron Rolle. The Florida State safety will study at Oxford instead of entering this year's NFL draft.
Rolle won a Rhodes scholarship in November and plans to seek a one-year master's degree in medical anthropology, The New York Times reported Monday in an entry on its college football blog.
Rolle, projected to be an early round pick, said he plans to enter the 2010 NFL draft.
A native of Galloway, N.J., Rolle got his undergraduate degree in pre-med after two and a half years, and has been taking graduate courses at Florida State this year.
After his NFL career, Rolle has said he plans to attend medical school and then open a clinic for the needy in the Bahamas.
Rolle made waves this season when he risked missing one of Florida State's conference games to have his final interview for the Rhodes Scholarship. Rolle had the interview in Birmingham, Ala., then found out he got the scholarship. The safety then received a police escort and took a private plane back to the stadium for the Seminoles' game against Maryland. He entered the game in the second quarter, as Florida State rolled to a 37-3 win.
My point to every parent, grand parent, aunt and uncle as well as student is that while it is perfectly fine to aspire to be a professional athlete, just like the NCAA commercials say…just about all of them go on to the pros in something OTHER than sports!
The one thing a kid should never do is get to a point in their lives that they say, “if only I had…” and regret their choices.
It’s a brand new year, and the last thing I always tell kids is you have absolutely no control over what happened in the past but you have ABSOLUTE control over this moment forward.
Don’t let the opportunity at bettering yourself slip away.
It’s been pretty cool meeting some incredible children. At the same time, it’s definitely been a ye-opening experience.
You have to realize that I have been speaking to students for many years. I always try to relate my personal experiences along with tying it back to their always going after their dreams but at the same time having a back up plan.
Every time I speak to a class, there always seems to be a few kids who’s only plan is becoming a pro athlete. While that is ad admirable dream it also is a dream with very long odds.
Statistics show that in 2004 only 1 our of every 1200 kids who played a varsity sport in high school would ever go to college on an athletic scholarship.
OF those, statistics showed that only 1 of 662 regardless of sport would sign a professional contract.
There was new information just received from the NCAA on football players.
3,000 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players eligible for pro football in
2004. Of those, 252 were drafted into the NFL. Of those drafted, about 60
made NFL rosters. Beyond that, only a quarter of the first-year players played3.3 seasons, the average length of an NFL career.
Let’s put that in perspective, only ½ of a percent of players at the 1A level (Clemson and South Carolina) made an NFL roster. Of those only 1 in 4 will survive to play 3.3 seasons.
Now, take the story of Myron Rolle. The Florida State safety will study at Oxford instead of entering this year's NFL draft.
Rolle won a Rhodes scholarship in November and plans to seek a one-year master's degree in medical anthropology, The New York Times reported Monday in an entry on its college football blog.
Rolle, projected to be an early round pick, said he plans to enter the 2010 NFL draft.
A native of Galloway, N.J., Rolle got his undergraduate degree in pre-med after two and a half years, and has been taking graduate courses at Florida State this year.
After his NFL career, Rolle has said he plans to attend medical school and then open a clinic for the needy in the Bahamas.
Rolle made waves this season when he risked missing one of Florida State's conference games to have his final interview for the Rhodes Scholarship. Rolle had the interview in Birmingham, Ala., then found out he got the scholarship. The safety then received a police escort and took a private plane back to the stadium for the Seminoles' game against Maryland. He entered the game in the second quarter, as Florida State rolled to a 37-3 win.
My point to every parent, grand parent, aunt and uncle as well as student is that while it is perfectly fine to aspire to be a professional athlete, just like the NCAA commercials say…just about all of them go on to the pros in something OTHER than sports!
The one thing a kid should never do is get to a point in their lives that they say, “if only I had…” and regret their choices.
It’s a brand new year, and the last thing I always tell kids is you have absolutely no control over what happened in the past but you have ABSOLUTE control over this moment forward.
Don’t let the opportunity at bettering yourself slip away.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
2009, when things REALLY CHANGE!
The New Year is only a week old, but we’re already off to some wild changes!
No, I am not talking about our soon to be president. That in itself is a huge change but the sports landscape is changing rapidly.
In the first week of January we have already seen:
1. Boston College fires their football coach for interviewing for the vacant head coaching position with the New York jets.
2. Bobby Bentley resigns at Presbyterian College to go back to Spartanburg District 5.
3. John Smoltz apparently agree to terms with the BOSTON RED SOX!
That last one has my head spinning! Smoltz, who has spent his entire 21-year career with the Braves apparently has come to terms on a one year, $5.5 million guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $5 million in incentives.
While I am keenly aware that Smoltz is 41 and coming off a major shoulder surgery to me, there comes with 21 years of service with one organization a certain amount of loyalty to the same employee.
Smoltz on more than one occasion turned down significantly more money to resign with the Braves.
The Braves have had a less than stellar off-season so far. They failed to come to terms on a trade for Jake Peavy, the ace of the San Diego Padres. They then identified A.J. Burnett as their fall back target and lost out to the Yankees for him.
They still have not acquired that power hitting corner outfielder they publicly stated was a priority and now, will have to deal with the fall-out from no signing Smoltz.
Let’s be clear, signing Smoltz baseball wise is a risk. NOT signing Smoltz is a BUSINESS disaster! Sources say that less than $3 million was the amount that Smoltz and the Braves were apart.
Smoltz has been the face of the franchise, their best pitcher in the post season, EVER and a main stay in working in the community.
Not signing Smoltz sends the wrong message to the fans. IT is a typical example f short term gain is long term foolish.
The powers at be with the Braves evidently got caught up in saving some money now but will see the consequences for their decision for years to come.
Fans make emotional investments in their teams regardless of sports. Fans get crushed when their players leave for another franchise and more often than not blame the player.
This time, the fans can squarely level their fury in the direction of the Braves.
Smoltz gave 21 years of service to the Braves and that should have earned him the right to get a fair market offer.
This should be a good lesson for everyone that the body of a persons work should far and away mean more than one event you’re trying to work through in the present.
Again, short-term gain will be long term foolish!
There's a petition out calling for Frank Wren's firing:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?FireWren
We’re only a week into the new year, if it’s been this hectic to start, buckle up cause the rest of the year should be very, very interesting!
No, I am not talking about our soon to be president. That in itself is a huge change but the sports landscape is changing rapidly.
In the first week of January we have already seen:
1. Boston College fires their football coach for interviewing for the vacant head coaching position with the New York jets.
2. Bobby Bentley resigns at Presbyterian College to go back to Spartanburg District 5.
3. John Smoltz apparently agree to terms with the BOSTON RED SOX!
That last one has my head spinning! Smoltz, who has spent his entire 21-year career with the Braves apparently has come to terms on a one year, $5.5 million guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $5 million in incentives.
While I am keenly aware that Smoltz is 41 and coming off a major shoulder surgery to me, there comes with 21 years of service with one organization a certain amount of loyalty to the same employee.
Smoltz on more than one occasion turned down significantly more money to resign with the Braves.
The Braves have had a less than stellar off-season so far. They failed to come to terms on a trade for Jake Peavy, the ace of the San Diego Padres. They then identified A.J. Burnett as their fall back target and lost out to the Yankees for him.
They still have not acquired that power hitting corner outfielder they publicly stated was a priority and now, will have to deal with the fall-out from no signing Smoltz.
Let’s be clear, signing Smoltz baseball wise is a risk. NOT signing Smoltz is a BUSINESS disaster! Sources say that less than $3 million was the amount that Smoltz and the Braves were apart.
Smoltz has been the face of the franchise, their best pitcher in the post season, EVER and a main stay in working in the community.
Not signing Smoltz sends the wrong message to the fans. IT is a typical example f short term gain is long term foolish.
The powers at be with the Braves evidently got caught up in saving some money now but will see the consequences for their decision for years to come.
Fans make emotional investments in their teams regardless of sports. Fans get crushed when their players leave for another franchise and more often than not blame the player.
This time, the fans can squarely level their fury in the direction of the Braves.
Smoltz gave 21 years of service to the Braves and that should have earned him the right to get a fair market offer.
This should be a good lesson for everyone that the body of a persons work should far and away mean more than one event you’re trying to work through in the present.
Again, short-term gain will be long term foolish!
There's a petition out calling for Frank Wren's firing:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?FireWren
We’re only a week into the new year, if it’s been this hectic to start, buckle up cause the rest of the year should be very, very interesting!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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??????
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??????
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, November 7, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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?
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?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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?
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?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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????
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????
Monday, September 22, 2008
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?
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?
Monday, September 15, 2008
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????
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????
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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?
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?
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