Jackson County has long been known for outstanding high school basketball programs. The 2009-10 season has come to a close and it’s been another fine year, especially on the boy’s side. Now some naysayers might point out that we have no boy’s squad going to Lakeland to compete for a state championship, so maybe it’s been an off year.
If they said that they would be flat wrong. All five of the county’s boy’s basketball season had outstanding seasons. Two of the teams, Marianna and Malone won 20 or more games. That has always been a bench mark for an outstanding season. Graceville was not far behind as they won 19 games. Sneads won 17 and Cottondale won 16. That’s 97 wins for five clubs and I suspect there are not a lot of years when all five clubs won 16 games or more. In all, the combined for the five teams is 97 wins and 40 losses.
Those naysayers might saw that we only had two district championships and only three of the five teams made the playoffs. Those naysayers might point out that there have been some years where the county had 3 or four district championships and all five teams made the playoffs. Well that just was not likely to happen this year and probably won’t happen next year.
Every two years the FHSAA remakes the classifications and districts. With the most recent changes three of the county’s five teams ended up in the same district (Cottondale, Sneads and Graceville). That automatically means that at least one won’t make the playoffs. Throw in the fact that they were in an 8 team district and that makes the case tough for the remaining two teams. Only Graceville survived district tournament and they did so as the district champ.
Malone got a new district as well and their new district included FAMU. The Tigers beat the Baby Rattlers twice during the regular season but fell in overtime in the district title bout. That put them on the road against a good Paxton squad that eliminated them from the playoffs.
Marianna also got a new district but they did not let it faze them. Their district included six teams and the Bulldogs went unbeaten in the district during the regular season. They then swept through the district tournament to claim a district championship. But with the reclassifications East Gadsden and Rickards both dropped from 4A to 3A. Both are much larger schools and both stood between Marianna and a third straight trip to Lakeland. While the Bulldogs dominated East Gadsden (see story on page three of sports) Rickards proved to be another matter and the Bulldogs season came to a close on Tuesday night.
So to any potential naysayers about this year’s basketball class, go bark up some other tree. Simply Put it was another outstanding year for hoops in Jackson County.
From the front porch: Coach said it’s not the falling down that matters. It’s the getting up that counts.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Half A Century
This past Saturday I reach another milestone. The Lord has allowed me to live on this earth for half a century. There is an old saying that says “gettin older sure beats the alternative”. I don’t care much for that old saying. When my time is up and I stand in the presence of my almighty creator, I don’t think I’ll mind one bit having departed from this earth.
That said, there is also the old bluegrass gospel song that says “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” And I’m not quite ready to go now either. There is still a lot of things I want to do and a lot of people I want to spend time with.
I’ve never been one to fret much about getting older. Turning 30 and 40 never bothered me like it did some folks. And turning 50 doesn’t bother me either. It does however cause me to stop and ponder (that’s thinking for old folks) about things a little more so than turning 30 or 40 did. Sometimes I begin to ponder about how much the world we live in has changed in 50 years. When I came into this world there were no cell phones, no computers, no internet, no satellite or cable television. Most of us are so dependent on these technological comforts of life now days that we almost feel naked if we go off somewhere without our cell phone or laptop.
Marianna, my birthplace and hometown, was a different place 50 years ago. Most, if not all, of the businesses were locally owned and operated. Saturdays meant a trip to town and a visit to one of the barber shops. We went to either the one on Lafayette (main street) or the one on Market Street (back street). There was only one hair cut style but that buzz cut was worth it, because of the bakery that was on backstreet. I don’t recall the name of it, but I can still close my eyes and smell the fresh baked pastries that beckoned us through the doorway. I’ve searched for the last 40 years to find pastries that have that same white cream like the back street bakery had. I haven’t found it yet.
But turning 50 also reminds me that life is short and is not meant to be lived in the past. I like the old saying “Life is what it is, not what it was.” Turning 50 reminds me to cherish my relationships with my family, tell them that I love them and make sure that I spend time with them. It reminds me while I’ve done a lot of things that I have enjoyed, I still have even more things that I am looking forward to doing. So, Simply Put, bring on another half century. I’m just getting broke in.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said that he is young at heart but a good bit older in most other places.
That said, there is also the old bluegrass gospel song that says “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” And I’m not quite ready to go now either. There is still a lot of things I want to do and a lot of people I want to spend time with.
I’ve never been one to fret much about getting older. Turning 30 and 40 never bothered me like it did some folks. And turning 50 doesn’t bother me either. It does however cause me to stop and ponder (that’s thinking for old folks) about things a little more so than turning 30 or 40 did. Sometimes I begin to ponder about how much the world we live in has changed in 50 years. When I came into this world there were no cell phones, no computers, no internet, no satellite or cable television. Most of us are so dependent on these technological comforts of life now days that we almost feel naked if we go off somewhere without our cell phone or laptop.
Marianna, my birthplace and hometown, was a different place 50 years ago. Most, if not all, of the businesses were locally owned and operated. Saturdays meant a trip to town and a visit to one of the barber shops. We went to either the one on Lafayette (main street) or the one on Market Street (back street). There was only one hair cut style but that buzz cut was worth it, because of the bakery that was on backstreet. I don’t recall the name of it, but I can still close my eyes and smell the fresh baked pastries that beckoned us through the doorway. I’ve searched for the last 40 years to find pastries that have that same white cream like the back street bakery had. I haven’t found it yet.
But turning 50 also reminds me that life is short and is not meant to be lived in the past. I like the old saying “Life is what it is, not what it was.” Turning 50 reminds me to cherish my relationships with my family, tell them that I love them and make sure that I spend time with them. It reminds me while I’ve done a lot of things that I have enjoyed, I still have even more things that I am looking forward to doing. So, Simply Put, bring on another half century. I’m just getting broke in.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said that he is young at heart but a good bit older in most other places.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
“A Simpler Time”
I’ve shared with our readers in the past about my addiction to the one eyed evil monster, aka the television. This past weekend I had a chance to get away from my addiction. My wife and I took in Wakulla Springs State Park and stayed overnight at the lodge. When we checked in my wife said “Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the bedrooms don’t have a TV.” The shock and horror of it all, no TV! What would I do?
Well let me tell you what I did. I spent the afternoon and evening attending a wedding at the lodge. It was a lovely wedding and I even wore a coat and tie without putting up a fuss. There was a lady who played the piano in the lobby during the wedding. Even more enjoyable was the fact that for several hours afterwards she continued to play.
After an excellent evening meal I retreated to a large comfortable chair near the piano player. For almost an hour I just sat and listened. I read a few brochures about the park, but mostly just enjoyed the music and conducted one of my favorite hobbies of people watching.
It struck me that the lodge, built in the 1930’s by Edward Ball (St. Joe Paper Company), was from a different era. It was from the pre-TV era. It was from an era when the one eyed monster wasn’t the focal point of so much of our entertainment. Think about it. So often our gatherings these days are centered around watching a sporting event, movie, show or something else on TV. I recalled hearing some of the older generation talk about the days when they would get together for sings, dances and social gatherings that included playing games or something as simple as just talking.
After all the festivities I retired to our room and not being able to turn on a TV, instead picked up my book “Undaunted Courage, “ by Stephan Ambrose. In my mind I joined the Lewis and Clark 1804 expedition in their canoes. I waited in anticipation for what lay around the next bend. And then the next morning I went for a 3 mile hike through the woods, just me, my hat and my hand made hiking stick.
The whole TVless weekend left me with a sense of peace and relaxation. I am soon to turn 50 and the older I get the more I appreciate the soothing sounds of a softly played piano, a quit walk in the woods, a leisurely paddle down a river or just plain old fashion socializing with other folks. I know that the good ole days might not have been so good as far as some of the comforts, but Simply Put, they were a simpler time and a time that I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said that his brain is like lightening. One brilliant flash and then it’s gone.
Well let me tell you what I did. I spent the afternoon and evening attending a wedding at the lodge. It was a lovely wedding and I even wore a coat and tie without putting up a fuss. There was a lady who played the piano in the lobby during the wedding. Even more enjoyable was the fact that for several hours afterwards she continued to play.
After an excellent evening meal I retreated to a large comfortable chair near the piano player. For almost an hour I just sat and listened. I read a few brochures about the park, but mostly just enjoyed the music and conducted one of my favorite hobbies of people watching.
It struck me that the lodge, built in the 1930’s by Edward Ball (St. Joe Paper Company), was from a different era. It was from the pre-TV era. It was from an era when the one eyed monster wasn’t the focal point of so much of our entertainment. Think about it. So often our gatherings these days are centered around watching a sporting event, movie, show or something else on TV. I recalled hearing some of the older generation talk about the days when they would get together for sings, dances and social gatherings that included playing games or something as simple as just talking.
After all the festivities I retired to our room and not being able to turn on a TV, instead picked up my book “Undaunted Courage, “ by Stephan Ambrose. In my mind I joined the Lewis and Clark 1804 expedition in their canoes. I waited in anticipation for what lay around the next bend. And then the next morning I went for a 3 mile hike through the woods, just me, my hat and my hand made hiking stick.
The whole TVless weekend left me with a sense of peace and relaxation. I am soon to turn 50 and the older I get the more I appreciate the soothing sounds of a softly played piano, a quit walk in the woods, a leisurely paddle down a river or just plain old fashion socializing with other folks. I know that the good ole days might not have been so good as far as some of the comforts, but Simply Put, they were a simpler time and a time that I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said that his brain is like lightening. One brilliant flash and then it’s gone.
“Fan The Flames Of Kindness”
I wish it weren’t so but I often eat at fast food restaurants given the fact that I work three jobs. And I have the waist line and cholesterol pills in my medicine cabinet to prove it. I have noticed a growing trend in fast food restaurants the last few years, and that is poor customer service.
More times than not I find that the folks taking and serving my order don’t seem to appreciate the fact that my business is paying their salary. At best they often act like they don’t care, not saying thank you or may I help you or any other pleasantries. At worst they are down right rude. Throw in the high error rate for getting my order wrong and it’s a wonder I even stop at the fast food businesses any more.
But fortunately there are always exceptions. Last week I was in the Burger King on Highway 90 East. The lady that took my order was very pleasant, which now days stands out like a sore thumb. As I was eating my meal a man took his order back to the counter and loudly proclaimed “I ain’t eating this hamburger, it ain’t cooked enough.” The lady took his hamburger, assured him they would get him another burger in just a moment. A couple of minutes later she took his freshly cooked burger to his table. To which he then loudly proclaimed that he wanted a fresh order of fries, saying his previous order was now cold. The lady calmly and politely dealt with him as best as possible and eventually agreed to get him another order of fries.
My first thought was to go and tell the fellow quit making a scene and get some manners. But I didn’t. I then thought that on my way out I should compliment the lady on how she handled the matter. But I didn’t do that either. As usual I got in a hurry, thinking only of myself and the fact that I needed to get back to work. That I didn’t offer her an encouraging word has bothered me all week. It might just have made her day to have a stranger offer her a compliment. I know I feel good when someone pays me a compliment and it even adds a little pep to my step.
So I am challenging myself and all of you to a kindness competition. For one week let’s see how many people we can catch being kind. Then offer a word of thanks or encouragement to that person. I would welcome your emails of acts of kindness you caught. I know is sounds corny but I really believe kindness can be contagious. So Simply Put, let’s fan the flames of kindness.
From the front porch: Coach said what lies behind us and what lies before us pale in comparison to what lies within us.
More times than not I find that the folks taking and serving my order don’t seem to appreciate the fact that my business is paying their salary. At best they often act like they don’t care, not saying thank you or may I help you or any other pleasantries. At worst they are down right rude. Throw in the high error rate for getting my order wrong and it’s a wonder I even stop at the fast food businesses any more.
But fortunately there are always exceptions. Last week I was in the Burger King on Highway 90 East. The lady that took my order was very pleasant, which now days stands out like a sore thumb. As I was eating my meal a man took his order back to the counter and loudly proclaimed “I ain’t eating this hamburger, it ain’t cooked enough.” The lady took his hamburger, assured him they would get him another burger in just a moment. A couple of minutes later she took his freshly cooked burger to his table. To which he then loudly proclaimed that he wanted a fresh order of fries, saying his previous order was now cold. The lady calmly and politely dealt with him as best as possible and eventually agreed to get him another order of fries.
My first thought was to go and tell the fellow quit making a scene and get some manners. But I didn’t. I then thought that on my way out I should compliment the lady on how she handled the matter. But I didn’t do that either. As usual I got in a hurry, thinking only of myself and the fact that I needed to get back to work. That I didn’t offer her an encouraging word has bothered me all week. It might just have made her day to have a stranger offer her a compliment. I know I feel good when someone pays me a compliment and it even adds a little pep to my step.
So I am challenging myself and all of you to a kindness competition. For one week let’s see how many people we can catch being kind. Then offer a word of thanks or encouragement to that person. I would welcome your emails of acts of kindness you caught. I know is sounds corny but I really believe kindness can be contagious. So Simply Put, let’s fan the flames of kindness.
From the front porch: Coach said what lies behind us and what lies before us pale in comparison to what lies within us.
“Perseverance”
170. That’s the number of Simply Put columns I have written in 3 ½ years as the Sports Editor at The Times. Last week doesn’t count as part of the 170. If you saw my column last week you know that I chose not to say anything. It had been one of those weeks.
Several folks asked me about my week. I won’t bore you with all the calamities, but the top three highlights (or low lights) were (1) finding out the engine on my wife’s vehicle needs to be replaced, (2) our electric panel blew out last Sunday night leaving us with no heat in 25 degree weather (3) one of our dogs (Chance) got arrested, thrown in jail and I had to bailed him out. Throw in a crazy week at work (see page A7) and you know the saying, when it rains it pours. It was what I call a “mountain slide” week, which are those times when I want to grab my tent and head for the hills to escape from life’s trials and tribulations.
But our Heavenly Father always has a way of pointing the way, sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. This past Saturday I was at Pace High School for my son’s wrestling matches. In the lobby of the gym there is a display on the wall. It features great documents of our nation like the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Gettysburg Address. It also features the Ten Commandments, which pleasantly surprised me to see it include in this day and time.
But the document that caught my eye the most read as follows:
• He Failed in business in ‘31
• He was Defeated in the state legislature in ‘33
• He tried another business venture in ’33, it Failed.
• His fiancée Died in ’35.
• He had a nervous Breakdown in ’36.
• He ran for Congress in ’43 and was Defeated.
• He ran again in ’46 and was Defeated again.
• He tried running for the U.S. Senate in ’55 and Lost.
• He ran for Vice President in ’56 and Lost.
• He ran for the U.S. Senate again in ’59 and was Defeated.
• He ran for President in ’60 and Won.
• The man who signed his name A. Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States.
The difference between history’s boldest accomplishments and staggering failures is often simply. The diligent will to Persevere.
While my Southern ancestors would roll over in their graves to hear me say this, the numerous books that I have read about Lincoln would lead me to conclude that he is the greatest President this county has even known. His life serves to remind all of us that when we have those rough days, weeks, months or years, quitting is not an option. Simply Put, we must Persevere.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said that if everybody thinks it’s a good plan, it probably won’t work.
Several folks asked me about my week. I won’t bore you with all the calamities, but the top three highlights (or low lights) were (1) finding out the engine on my wife’s vehicle needs to be replaced, (2) our electric panel blew out last Sunday night leaving us with no heat in 25 degree weather (3) one of our dogs (Chance) got arrested, thrown in jail and I had to bailed him out. Throw in a crazy week at work (see page A7) and you know the saying, when it rains it pours. It was what I call a “mountain slide” week, which are those times when I want to grab my tent and head for the hills to escape from life’s trials and tribulations.
But our Heavenly Father always has a way of pointing the way, sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. This past Saturday I was at Pace High School for my son’s wrestling matches. In the lobby of the gym there is a display on the wall. It features great documents of our nation like the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Gettysburg Address. It also features the Ten Commandments, which pleasantly surprised me to see it include in this day and time.
But the document that caught my eye the most read as follows:
• He Failed in business in ‘31
• He was Defeated in the state legislature in ‘33
• He tried another business venture in ’33, it Failed.
• His fiancée Died in ’35.
• He had a nervous Breakdown in ’36.
• He ran for Congress in ’43 and was Defeated.
• He ran again in ’46 and was Defeated again.
• He tried running for the U.S. Senate in ’55 and Lost.
• He ran for Vice President in ’56 and Lost.
• He ran for the U.S. Senate again in ’59 and was Defeated.
• He ran for President in ’60 and Won.
• The man who signed his name A. Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States.
The difference between history’s boldest accomplishments and staggering failures is often simply. The diligent will to Persevere.
While my Southern ancestors would roll over in their graves to hear me say this, the numerous books that I have read about Lincoln would lead me to conclude that he is the greatest President this county has even known. His life serves to remind all of us that when we have those rough days, weeks, months or years, quitting is not an option. Simply Put, we must Persevere.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said that if everybody thinks it’s a good plan, it probably won’t work.
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