Regardless of your religious, or non-religious, persuasion, at this very special time of the year I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Mercifully, the final days of 2020 — a year we would all like to forget — are drawing to a close. As we will soon flip the calendar to 2021, it is a bit hard for me to realize the new year will bring with it the 19th year that I’ve had the opportunity to share this Webb Weekly column with all of you who have been so kind to take the time and interest to visit this space.

My association with this publication began months before its first edition came off the presses when Jim Webb Sr. invited me to a meeting to reveal his plans. My reaction to his vision was not favorable as a few years earlier I, along with several hundred others, lost their jobs when Grit Publishing was sold to Stauffer Communications who moved the operation to Topeka, Kansas. Weekly newspapers were becoming a dying breed, and I was skeptical that Jim was about to enter a venture that presented a small chance for success. I thanked him for thinking of me, told him I was not interested, and wished him well.

Undeterred, Jim Webb did what visionaries do and pressed forward with his plans. A few months later I was again invited to a meeting with Jim simply asking if I would be interested in writing a weekly column for his paper. He explained that he wanted me to write about sports, preferably with a local flavor, and gave me a free reign as to subject matter. His only stipulation asked that I stir clear of “taking shots at people” and present the positive side of athletic competition. Over the years, I have tried to honor that now 19-year-old conversation.

Jim Webb Jr. now operates the paper following his Dad’s passing, and most all of those associated with the paper’s beginnings have moved on. But Jim Sr.’s vision remains vibrant and each week Webb Weekly presents its readers with positive happenings and its advertisers with opportunities to present their products and services to the marketplace. COVID-19 has made it much more difficult for the positive side of things to shine through, but I have enjoyed my association for these many years.

Outside that Bethlehem stable 21 centuries ago, the visiting three kings presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh in what became the first Christmas gifts given. Today, as the local sporting scene has been shut down by the decree of Governor Wolf, there is truly no room at the gymnasium inns for any celebrations or gift giving. Understandably, the health of the populous is the primary concern, but it is a shame those athletic gifts remain unopened.

The kings’ booty was indeed impressive and was there for all to be seen. Those athletic gifts have far less glitter and may be missed by onlookers at first glance, but for those who participate they are every bit as cherished as those presented on that Holy Night.

The first of those is commitment, sport’s gift to provide the opportunity to share in a cause bigger than one’s self. Striving towards a common goal, experiencing the ups and downs along the way, making the necessary sacrifices and adjustments, giving the needed effort and sharing the euphoria when the objective is achieved are gifts to be cherished for a lifetime.

The second is conditioning, both physical and mental. Being of strong mind and body isn’t always fun, and many can’t seem to make the leap. But it is crucial because one is either getting strong or getting weaker. There is no standing still. Sports provide the opportunity for both.

The third is memories. Regardless if one wins a championship or falls short of that goal, the memories derived from sports participation will last a lifetime. If you have ever gone to a high school reunion, the tales shared about what happened on the playing field or gymnasium are paramount conversations, not to mention the stories passed down to children and grandchildren.

Despite being left out in the cold by the current shutdown of the sports we enjoy, the good thing is those gifts of commitment, conditioning and memories do not come with an expiration date and sizing is not an issue. When sports return, they will still be there to be opened and enjoyed by all those wishing to partake.

Stay healthy and happy and hopefully reading this column in the better days ahead!