The Bottom Line
By Bill Nestor
Sports Editor
Some people like their jobs while others love theirs. Work is something that has to be done and on occasion there is an extra amount that just HAS to get done.
This past week for instance I had to pull double duty. Now before you feel too bad for me, let me explain the situation. As most of you know, I have had the pleasure of calling high school football games on the radio for the past twenty years. I know what you’re thinking – I probably started when I was a teenager but wrong…I was just a “little older” than that when I started.
This past week I had to call a second game. Now this was far from a quandary. Being able to broadcast back-to-back games was an exciting opportunity. However, a chance to go to Lost Creek and cover South Harrison was a dream. I still have several close friends from my days of coaching basketball there and a chance for a “homecoming” for their Homecoming Game was almost too good to be true.
Last year I had the pleasure of calling a pair of football games in Lost Creek. Principal, Dr. Greg Moore, Assistant Principal, Adam Belcastro and Head Coach, Brad Jett were fantastic hosts and made it a “no brainer” to return when the opportunity presented itself. As if they weren’t on top of the game before, this group grew even stronger with the addition of first year Athletic Director, Danielle Fenstermacher. Harrison County has its fair share of top notch Athletic Directors (another great one can be found here in Shinnston) and Mrs. Fenstermacher is along that same line. What a team in Hawk Land! It’s not just the one on the gridiron…I’m referring to the administration as well.
Less than 24 hours later, I had to be “back in the saddle” as I had the fortune of calling a nail biter of a lock-up between East Fairmont and Robert C. Byrd. It was an emotional broadcast for me. The clock is ticking and time is running out on a decade of great times. I have just one more home game with my broadcasting partner of over a decade, Chris Nutter. As the saying goes, the show must go on, but it just won’t be the same show that I’ve been fortunate enough to share with not only a partner, but a true friend. I’ve decided to make every one count, so Friday’s match-up was special in that regard.
Double Duty – it sure was and I would gladly work it every week if I could. It’s not a job, it’s a blessing and being able to share it with you here – well that is the cherry on top!
The moral to this story is to look at your life with the right perspective. If you are fortunate to have a family member or a friend that participates in extracurricular activities, freely go and share in their joy! Don’t’ view it as work or as something that you have to do. Instead, draw energy from their excitement and support them in their efforts. In turn, maybe you will receive a blessing just as the one that you had given.
Arnold Palmer passed away recently at the age of 87. Palmer was nicknamed “The King” of golf. He is one of those rare athletes that took his stardom and used it for the benefit of others. He did his good works through his charitable foundation, Arnie’s Army. His efforts have impacted millions of people worldwide and they will continue to provide for those in need for a long time to come. He treated everyone with unwavering respect and carried himself with dignity.
In a world that reveres athletes that are consumed with only themselves, it’s nice to be reminded that there are still good ones out there. R.I.P. Arnold Palmer!
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God Bless!
