Journalism students learn the lesson early in their studies; there is a distinct difference between a reporter and a columnist.
The main differences are their focus and style of writing. Reporters provide objective news, while columnists offer personal opinions and analysis. Reporters aim to present factual information without bias, whereas columnists use their space to express their personal beliefs and perspectives.
This difference is crucial for readers to understand the information presented in publications.
Webb Weekly hired me to be a columnist, and with apologies for the personal slant to this week’s column, what follows is my personal ‘thank you’ to the South Williamsport School District and the community for the outpouring of support received following the unexpected January 23 tribute held prior to South’s varsity basketball game against Muncy.
Summoned by school superintendent Eric Briggs to midcourt and immediately surrounded by family members I didn’t know were in attendance, I was surprised and emotionally shaken by the school’s recognition of the 800th junior high basketball game I have coached at the school. Included in Briggs’ comments were mentions of other activities I had undertaken with the school and community over the years.
Being one never at a loss for words, I was relieved that he didn’t hand me the mic, as I don’t think I could have found the right words to express the genuine thoughtfulness and emotions going through me at the unanticipated warm welcome coming from the gathering.
Because I am a columnist, I want to use this public platform to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the many individuals who have provided handshakes and best wishes, sent cards, gifts, texts, emails, and phone calls my way in recent days. Thanking each one of you personally is nearly impossible, but you know who you are, and I want you to know those words and tokens of appreciation have combined to make this occasion a special memory I will never forget.
There have been local coaches, Ron Insinger at the top of the list, who have won more games than I have coached. Reaching 800 games amounts to a longevity milestone and is something I have greatly enjoyed; but when people tell me how I may have helped them or relate stories from the past, the impact of coaching importance is greatly magnified.
Your words were provided in one-on-one messages, whose identity will be kept between us, but I’d like to give you a sampling of the kindheartedness that has come my way.
– One wrote, “Not only did you teach our sons and now grandsons baseball and basketball, but you also were a role model teaching them such things as: proper attire and etiquette for attending a funeral and how to write thank you notes.”
– An ex-player, whom I later coached against, contacted me from another state, expressing his congratulations along with the reminder that during a hotly contested game, he was responsible for me getting my first technical foul. (I’ve only had one other among these 800 games.)
– Another ex-player in attendance that evening brought back a unique memory we shared. We were trailing by one point with three seconds to go in a game at Warrior Run. I called a time-out to set up an inbound play under our own basket, giving him instructions, as the inbounder, as to where to pass the ball. In his excitement, he threw the ball off the back of the backboard, ending any hope we had to win the game. We shared a good laugh. So many years later, it wasn’t nearly as painful.
– One of the most off-the-wall messages came from a former co-worker and longtime friend living in California. His well-wishes included a confession he had never told me about. Being ten years younger, he recalled his father taking him to see me play high school basketball in the old Rommelt gym. He said he always rooted for me because I was tall and red-headed, and he didn’t know any other redheads. That hair color has changed, but it was great to hear from him.
Those 800 games and the many years recalled have brought back many memories. I am greatly appreciative of the South Williamsport School District and the coaches I have worked under for the faith they have placed in me.
It all began with Larry Manikowski. When he became the Mountaineers coach, I was involved with a group heading a South Williamsport Church basketball league in the Rommelt gym. Larry asked about my interest in transforming that league into a South Williamsport Elementary League. Soon after, Dwight Woodley offered me the Junior High position. It has been my passion since.
Following Woodley’s leadership, the list of South coaches changed, and I thank them for their trust in me. Those men include, but are not limited to, Ray Stebbins, Allan Taylor, Matt Fisher, Rob Houseknecht, and current coach Joe Simon. I have learned and laughed with all of them.
Finally, special thanks to my current bosses, both relative rookies to the South Williamsport scene, Superintendent Eric Briggs and athletic director Brett Herbst, for engineering a wonderful surprise. It will always be remembered.
