I would like to say a big thanks. The feedback on last week’s write-up “Drive Thru Pat” was off the charts. I received all kinds of love, from far and close. Pat Koch was a special person, and she impacted all walks of life.

I am also very humbled by those who said congrats. I tallied my 100th career high school hoops coaching victory with a win over Millville Friday. I am glad that someone is keeping track. Now I won’t share the amount of losses, but it sure was fun looking back. I heard from several of my former players and old friends in the biz. Tons of great memories, folks. It was never about getting to 100, as I am more proud of the many relationships I have developed in my 9 1/2 years on the bench. I am very blessed. Thanks to all.

Life is good. Right? Well. To be determined. I was feeling under the weather on Sunday evening. Nothing major. Perhaps a cold. Went to bed early. Woke up the next morning with some aches and pains. A fever and a massive headache. Great. I did my best to get around. I was spent. Coach Spencer was headed to the basement. Lockdown.

I reached out to my doctor to get tested. Couldn’t get in until Wednesday. Life was in a circle. I made several calls and wrote many emails. I was trying to stay optimistic, but obviously, something was wrong. I removed myself entirely — no interaction with anyone. No work. No practice. I was done.

I stayed in complete isolation. It was hard, and I missed my family. I am both vaccinated and boosted. Wear a mask when needed, and I stay away from people. That is what makes it so frustrating. Yes. The bug has been going around. COVID is everywhere. It affects everyone differently. I had my doubts, but it sure kicked the crap out of me. It wasn’t just the flu.

I was so scared as I pulled in on Wednesday morning. I had to stay in my car on River Ave. Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten there so early. My mind was racing. I was thinking about everything. I wasn’t concerned for me but for the others around me. I was swabbed, and I have never been so nervous. I received a call fifteen minutes later. The nurse said I tested positive. Great.

I reached out to my superiors immediately. I told them that I was going to stay in hiding. I felt bad for leaving my coworkers hanging. We are stretched pretty thin already. My hoops team was scheduled to play that evening. Forget about it. Coach Spencer needs to remain in the basement. Thankfully Bill & Chris Reed are there to lend a hand. My friends will do a great job leading the Knights until I am on the mend. My boys played great at CMVT. It was so nice to hear from them.

So, I am eventually getting better, and I hope to be back to normal. It has been a very long and stressful week. I never thought I would be sidelined. COVID is real, folks. I now know it all firsthand. It has impacted our lives in many different ways. Continue to stay safe. Wear those masks. Cheers.