And just like that two years have passed.

Yes, it was two years ago, Feb. 14, 2022, that I returned to the job in my work life that I have enjoyed the most, writing about sports for the Crestview News Bulletin. I will always be grateful for Sandi Kemp bringing me back to the area to do what I believe God created me to do.

With all due respect for all the other sports, my favorite season starts preseason play on Monday and begins the regular season a week later on February 19.
Those of you that know me realize I’m talking about the start of high school baseball season. There’s just something about baseball that draws me to the diamond. Even as the years pass, the sweetest echoes of my youth were the chatter at a baseball game.

If you are having trouble keeping up with movement in the college football transfer portal you’re not alone. There have been more players taking a hike to another program than there are stupid bills before Congress, and that’s a lot.

I’ve had a couple of weeks to think about the new football districts the Florida High School Athletic Association released during the holidays. All things considered I think the districts don’t look bad.

Dare I write it, Happy 2024!
I would ask where the time has gone, but I know that answer full well. I mark the passage of time with covering stories about athletes, coaches and games as well as our local churches and faith organizations and our educators and local schools.

Is it possible that I’m already writing my 2023 Christmas column?
I blinked and the year is gone. And time continues to march on even when I don’t blink. This is my 66thChristmas; the eighth since my mom passed away and 11th since I lost my dad.

I’ll admit this Tennessee graduate has a little bias in favor of Florida State. If I had stayed in the state to attend college I would have ended up at FSU.
I pull for the Seminoles 99% of the time. About the only time I don’t cheer on the garnet and gold is when FSU plays Tennessee, or a Seminole loss would help my Vols or Lady Vols.

I felt bitter-sweet emotions as I watched college football over Thanksgiving weekend.

As the Florida State-Florida game ended with a Seminole victory, the announcers calling the game teased the upcoming California at UCLA game and mentioned it would be the last PAC 12 game as we know the conference.

Sooner or later it had to happen.
I could be wrong, but I think the firing of the opposing head football coaches following the same game is a first. I could add that neither firing was a total surprise.

When I added up the numbers and see that Baker running back Wyatt Straight gained more than 300 yards rushing against Freeport I could only shake my head.
Straight’s effort was as close to heroic as one can get on a football field. It was gutsy and well-earned. At some schools, a 300-yard effort might have a sports writer scrambling to figure out what the school rushing record might be.