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Page 2 - The Blog
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Hello Again Everybody...
School is back in, and the kids and coaches are back out, on the playing field...and it's only 100+ degrees on Northwest Florida thermometers...
The 2010 football season ahead should be a great one - one of the most competitive in the area in years - with programs on the rise, and others projected to slip a bit, which should make for great games week in and week out...
In the pre-season preview, I'd like to get you up to speed on our upcoming season of game and show broadcasts, expected to be our busiest ever.
Monday, August 23, we'll begin our new season of Niceville Sports Radio Shows, at our new location for the new school year: the NEW Ed's Hometown Seafood & Steaks (formerly Perry's) in the Palm Plaza. Ed Hill is the new owner of Niceville's legendary dining establishment, and his commitment to the local sports community is already obvious. Come check out what will be the new Niceville Sports Wall of Fame in the room about to be launched as the "Eagles Nest" at the first of our Monday evening (6pm - CDT) shows... and make sure to come join us at the show and pick up our new 2010 edition New Fish Radio t-shirts, and discount dining coupons...and partake of Ed's fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet, for only $6.95!
Our 2010 football game broadcasts will commence on Thursday evening, August 26th at 6:30pm, at Tommy Oliver Stadium in Panama City, with Mike Owens' Fort Walton Beach Vikings going up against the Rutherford Rams. Join me and Tony Kelley as we begin our second season of Vikings football, with our game broadcasts again airing on WZFN-AM 1400 'Okaloosa's Sports Station' and simultaneously streaming at www.1400ZFan.com ! It will be my pleasure and honor to broadcast four Vikings games this season with Tony. Chad Brillante will be at the microphone the other games to handle play-by-play this season...which could well be a breakout year for the Vikes.
Niceville's 2010 season will be a tough act to follow. With the Eagles coming off their electrifying state 4A runner-up campaign, the 2010 Kickoff Classic on Friday night, August 27th against Pensacola's Washington Wildcats at Eagle Stadium in Niceville will certainly attract a good bit of attention as a new-look bunch of young Eagles this year will get their first opportunities to fill out a number of key positions on the roster - and that's not to mention that curiosity factor: Who will be the replacements for Roy Finch and Kody Williams - and how well will their big shoes be filled? We'll chronicle the 2010 Flight of the Eagles for our fourth year, bringing you the entire season schedule on area radio (WTKE-FM 'The Ticket' - 100.3FM) as well as online at www.TheNewFishRadio.com . So, make sure to tune in - or log on - for the Classic at 6:30pm (CDT) on the 27th, for the game and the introduction of my new broadcast sidekick for the new season!
And, finally...the 2010 campaign will also bring EXPANDED high school football coverage, with Tuesday freshman football games and Thursday junior varsity contests streaming exclusively online every week, on www.1400ZFan.com and www.TheNewFishRadio.com ! Check the respective websites for the complete game broadcast schedules next week!
So...our countdown has started...Check out my blog throughout the season for all kinds of news and notes, interesting sidebar stories, player profiles and a whole lot more....
We're only just beginning!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Again Everybody...
It's Wednesday, May 19
Just a few days after the announcement that an old friend, Curtis Williams, would not be back in 2011 as head softball coach of the Pace Lady Patriots, I've been thinking about guys like Curtis who have dedicated lives and careers to helping kids - and there's much that need's to be said. First and foremost, guys like Curtis Williams are part of a breed that continually diminishes - and, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find those capabale character individuals willing to put in the time and effort, and do so consistently year in and year out, without ever looking at the time clock they are punching day in and day out while working quite often under what is the most difficult of circumstances.
Participation in high school sports is - without a doubt - an ongoing exercise in character-building for most who play the games. High school sports encourages and enables the teaching of critical life lessons; not the least of which is the importance of "team", in all one will do in life, as life moves on, as it will and as it does.
None of us does what we do alone. Sadly, though, too many lack the appreciaiton for what those around us contribute to our lives, which often enables us to be successful. We are all, and always, part of a "team"...whether that team be family or company. When we work together we are working better, and always becoming stronger. Not always do we win, but so very often, it is our teammates in life that keep us from losing. And, at those times we do not succeed, or prevail, it is our teammates, and coaches, that keep us on that all-important even keel.
High school coaches are often entrusted with responsibilities some parents are either unable to provide or participate in and, as such, play important roles in the lives of young people. Kids don't often understand going in to a program the importance of team, but do going out.
Talk to any high school athlete and most will stress the importance of the experience - and talk to those who have moved on to the respective "next levels" of lives, and they will remember fondly those coaches who gave of themselves to help them to be better individuals.
Curtis Williams took over the Pace H.S softball program just a few years ago from his wife, Susan, who'd previously coached the Lady Patriots for more than 20 seasons - with Curtis by her side as her assistant.
That kind of loyalty and dedication is rare, and the Williams' will be missed in the bigger picture. This isn't about Pace H.S or how many games the Williams' family won or lost. It is about what has been their dedication to the kids and the community - through all the wins and losses - and their presence in the games will be missed.
There are many other coaches who could learn many important lessons from Curtis Williams - not the least of which is "it's all about the kids"....
I know many coaches who are loyal and dedicated. I don't know all that many, however, that have endured for so many years, through so many trials and tribulations....
To all coaches...May you be new or old. Thank you for ALL you do.... and,. thank to many of you, our world is a better place for your efforts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Again Everybody....
It's Monday, May 17
Now that we've had a few days to digest the bitter pill that was the Niceville Lady Eagles' defeat in the State 5A Championship game - beyond the disappointment - there is much to be proud of, and optimistic about.
First and foremost, this 2010 edition of the Lady Eagles represented themselves to be among the best teams in school history - and they performed all season long with pride and professionalism in the performance of their jobs.
There is no shame in that they fell one game short of their goal. Ending the season as the second best team in State 5A softball is a remarkable feat. That their stated goal - to "win it all, or else the season won't be a success" given this end was not accurate.
The season was quite a success, and then some. And, youth served the program so very well. Only three - Kelly Hensley, Meaghan Balding and Karen Starnes - will depart, as graduating seniors. But, the core of the team - much of its heart and soul - not only will remain intact, it will be better next year for this year's experience. Young players with the memory of falling short will come back with a renewed vigor and passion - much as this year's team did.
Following the recent history - Lady Eagles softball is now officially on track to win it all next year. History doesn't lie:
2007 - No post-season play. NHS lost to Choctaw in the District tournament semifinal.
2008 - NHS finished second in the district to Pace. Ultimately lost in Regional Semifinal in Tally.
2009 - NHS advanced to Regional Final, losing in 11 innings to eventual state champ Bartram Trail
2010 - NHS wins the 2-5A district crown, advances to State 5A title game, only to fall short, 2-0.
2011 - ?
How do you not see the trending?
This is a great group of girls. They are truly talented and suprisngly businesslike in their approach, given their youth. They will get it done next year because they didn't this year.
The Niceville Lady Eagles were the best team in the Panhandle, and second best in the state.
Disappointing? Maybe a bit. But as we used to say, "that ain't chopped liver"!
Ladies...Be proud of all you accomplished. Don't concern yourselves a bit with what you didn't.
That's merely the unfinished business you will use as your focus for next season....
And, if I may say...in my fourth year of broadcasting a number of your games in 2010, it was my pleasure and joy to cover your exploits this season - and I do look forward to next year's step up.
Keep smiling! The future is very bright!
Hello Again Everybody...
School is back in, and the kids and coaches are back out, on the playing field...and it's only 100+ degrees on Northwest Florida thermometers...
The 2010 football season ahead should be a great one - one of the most competitive in the area in years - with programs on the rise, and others projected to slip a bit, which should make for great games week in and week out...
In the pre-season preview, I'd like to get you up to speed on our upcoming season of game and show broadcasts, expected to be our busiest ever.
Monday, August 23, we'll begin our new season of Niceville Sports Radio Shows, at our new location for the new school year: the NEW Ed's Hometown Seafood & Steaks (formerly Perry's) in the Palm Plaza. Ed Hill is the new owner of Niceville's legendary dining establishment, and his commitment to the local sports community is already obvious. Come check out what will be the new Niceville Sports Wall of Fame in the room about to be launched as the "Eagles Nest" at the first of our Monday evening (6pm - CDT) shows... and make sure to come join us at the show and pick up our new 2010 edition New Fish Radio t-shirts, and discount dining coupons...and partake of Ed's fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet, for only $6.95!
Our 2010 football game broadcasts will commence on Thursday evening, August 26th at 6:30pm, at Tommy Oliver Stadium in Panama City, with Mike Owens' Fort Walton Beach Vikings going up against the Rutherford Rams. Join me and Tony Kelley as we begin our second season of Vikings football, with our game broadcasts again airing on WZFN-AM 1400 'Okaloosa's Sports Station' and simultaneously streaming at www.1400ZFan.com ! It will be my pleasure and honor to broadcast four Vikings games this season with Tony. Chad Brillante will be at the microphone the other games to handle play-by-play this season...which could well be a breakout year for the Vikes.
Niceville's 2010 season will be a tough act to follow. With the Eagles coming off their electrifying state 4A runner-up campaign, the 2010 Kickoff Classic on Friday night, August 27th against Pensacola's Washington Wildcats at Eagle Stadium in Niceville will certainly attract a good bit of attention as a new-look bunch of young Eagles this year will get their first opportunities to fill out a number of key positions on the roster - and that's not to mention that curiosity factor: Who will be the replacements for Roy Finch and Kody Williams - and how well will their big shoes be filled? We'll chronicle the 2010 Flight of the Eagles for our fourth year, bringing you the entire season schedule on area radio (WTKE-FM 'The Ticket' - 100.3FM) as well as online at www.TheNewFishRadio.com . So, make sure to tune in - or log on - for the Classic at 6:30pm (CDT) on the 27th, for the game and the introduction of my new broadcast sidekick for the new season!
And, finally...the 2010 campaign will also bring EXPANDED high school football coverage, with Tuesday freshman football games and Thursday junior varsity contests streaming exclusively online every week, on www.1400ZFan.com and www.TheNewFishRadio.com ! Check the respective websites for the complete game broadcast schedules next week!
So...our countdown has started...Check out my blog throughout the season for all kinds of news and notes, interesting sidebar stories, player profiles and a whole lot more....
We're only just beginning!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Again Everybody...
It's Wednesday, May 19
Just a few days after the announcement that an old friend, Curtis Williams, would not be back in 2011 as head softball coach of the Pace Lady Patriots, I've been thinking about guys like Curtis who have dedicated lives and careers to helping kids - and there's much that need's to be said. First and foremost, guys like Curtis Williams are part of a breed that continually diminishes - and, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find those capabale character individuals willing to put in the time and effort, and do so consistently year in and year out, without ever looking at the time clock they are punching day in and day out while working quite often under what is the most difficult of circumstances.
Participation in high school sports is - without a doubt - an ongoing exercise in character-building for most who play the games. High school sports encourages and enables the teaching of critical life lessons; not the least of which is the importance of "team", in all one will do in life, as life moves on, as it will and as it does.
None of us does what we do alone. Sadly, though, too many lack the appreciaiton for what those around us contribute to our lives, which often enables us to be successful. We are all, and always, part of a "team"...whether that team be family or company. When we work together we are working better, and always becoming stronger. Not always do we win, but so very often, it is our teammates in life that keep us from losing. And, at those times we do not succeed, or prevail, it is our teammates, and coaches, that keep us on that all-important even keel.
High school coaches are often entrusted with responsibilities some parents are either unable to provide or participate in and, as such, play important roles in the lives of young people. Kids don't often understand going in to a program the importance of team, but do going out.
Talk to any high school athlete and most will stress the importance of the experience - and talk to those who have moved on to the respective "next levels" of lives, and they will remember fondly those coaches who gave of themselves to help them to be better individuals.
Curtis Williams took over the Pace H.S softball program just a few years ago from his wife, Susan, who'd previously coached the Lady Patriots for more than 20 seasons - with Curtis by her side as her assistant.
That kind of loyalty and dedication is rare, and the Williams' will be missed in the bigger picture. This isn't about Pace H.S or how many games the Williams' family won or lost. It is about what has been their dedication to the kids and the community - through all the wins and losses - and their presence in the games will be missed.
There are many other coaches who could learn many important lessons from Curtis Williams - not the least of which is "it's all about the kids"....
I know many coaches who are loyal and dedicated. I don't know all that many, however, that have endured for so many years, through so many trials and tribulations....
To all coaches...May you be new or old. Thank you for ALL you do.... and,. thank to many of you, our world is a better place for your efforts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Again Everybody....
It's Monday, May 17
Now that we've had a few days to digest the bitter pill that was the Niceville Lady Eagles' defeat in the State 5A Championship game - beyond the disappointment - there is much to be proud of, and optimistic about.
First and foremost, this 2010 edition of the Lady Eagles represented themselves to be among the best teams in school history - and they performed all season long with pride and professionalism in the performance of their jobs.
There is no shame in that they fell one game short of their goal. Ending the season as the second best team in State 5A softball is a remarkable feat. That their stated goal - to "win it all, or else the season won't be a success" given this end was not accurate.
The season was quite a success, and then some. And, youth served the program so very well. Only three - Kelly Hensley, Meaghan Balding and Karen Starnes - will depart, as graduating seniors. But, the core of the team - much of its heart and soul - not only will remain intact, it will be better next year for this year's experience. Young players with the memory of falling short will come back with a renewed vigor and passion - much as this year's team did.
Following the recent history - Lady Eagles softball is now officially on track to win it all next year. History doesn't lie:
2007 - No post-season play. NHS lost to Choctaw in the District tournament semifinal.
2008 - NHS finished second in the district to Pace. Ultimately lost in Regional Semifinal in Tally.
2009 - NHS advanced to Regional Final, losing in 11 innings to eventual state champ Bartram Trail
2010 - NHS wins the 2-5A district crown, advances to State 5A title game, only to fall short, 2-0.
2011 - ?
How do you not see the trending?
This is a great group of girls. They are truly talented and suprisngly businesslike in their approach, given their youth. They will get it done next year because they didn't this year.
The Niceville Lady Eagles were the best team in the Panhandle, and second best in the state.
Disappointing? Maybe a bit. But as we used to say, "that ain't chopped liver"!
Ladies...Be proud of all you accomplished. Don't concern yourselves a bit with what you didn't.
That's merely the unfinished business you will use as your focus for next season....
And, if I may say...in my fourth year of broadcasting a number of your games in 2010, it was my pleasure and joy to cover your exploits this season - and I do look forward to next year's step up.
Keep smiling! The future is very bright!
