Happy late Thanksgiving to the fine readers of the Webb Weekly. And special thanks to those who are fans of this page. I am truly humbled by your feedback and praise. I often receive several shouts in public. Strangers also recognize me from these columns. I gratuitously thank them with a fist bump. Cool.

Before I begin this week’s recollection, I want to give some love to my friends. Props to the boss man, Jim, and my lovely editor, Steph, for allowing me to scribe. I am simply a part-time writer for the Webb Weekly, and these two folks allow me to improvise. Jim is the big brother I never had. I only hear from him when I do something great or something terribly bad. He has been a great mentor over the years, and I appreciate his friendship, encouragement, and trust. Although I only see Steph a few times a year, we correspond often. She is the brains. Steph routinely keeps me up to par and helps me with my speling. I did it on purpose!

I have been with the Webb since its beginning. Jim pitched an idea while I was working at WDGC. I provided the copy and designed our weekly advertisements. I would update the folks on some of our tournaments and throw in a few stories about our charismatic members. I did this every week over ten great seasons. My pages were called “Notes from the Greenside Bunker” and “Coaches Corner.” My proud mother made a scrapbook of these early entries. I frequently look back and smile. Those were the days. This was the start of our relationship.

Jim and Steph will occasionally ask me to do a cover story. These are very special assignments on local sporting celebrities. Sometimes it’s a feature on a team or a youngster who claimed PIAA State gold. There’s a lot more pressure associated with these projects. I always do the best I can. One of my favorite pieces was on the legendary Coach Frank Girardi’s enshrinement to the College Football Hall of Fame. That little write-up won me an award. I’m not kidding.

My friends give me the freedom to write on whatever. My weekly assignments vary, and sometimes I turn a few heads. I have covered just about everything with sports. Professional to amateur. I have penciled many articles on local football and basketball. I also chimed in on high school wrestling and baseball. I even told a few tales on some throwers and pickleball, too. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know many of the young athletes and coaches in the area. It keeps me in the loop.

I do get to scribe about fishing and my love for the great outdoors. Spending time with my son Jensen has been a very popular topic. We are so blessed to live in the 570. Canoe trips with the Amish. Overnight backpacking trips. Backyard hikes. My chums sometimes take me on great adventures after I promise to give them a shout. There is never a dull moment. No fish species is safe. How many others watched the very first MLB Little League Classic from a kayak?

My three-week rant called “Setting the Record Str8” got me in trouble. I no longer push the envelope. Several folks applauded my perspective on the County’s decision to take over the golf course, but two guys got mad. My boy Alize Johnson has the most tallies. I believe there are nine articles on this extraordinary lad. I wrote about him while he was in high school and when he was with the Missouri State Bears. Alize became the first from the area to be drafted by the NBA. Headlines. He routinely gives back to the community, and his new basketball courts earned a full-page spread. Alize continues to amaze. He is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

My favorite subject is my family. Jensen is now 16. He continues to look like Mom, but he is starting to act more like his dad. Poor kid. Many articles I submit are about his sports. Basketball. Baseball. Soccer and XBOX. He just scored his license. Teach doesn’t like the spotlight, so I refrain from using her name. I love sharing our stories. Our trips to California or Yellowstone. The Badlands to the beach. They make some interesting tales. Especially when we get stranded in the airports.

My bearded friends are the best. They love seeing their names. I enjoy our interactions, and I will write a few Amish tales. You can’t make it up. Building a two-car garage and addition with my pops got the most cheers. Dead serious. The articles on our mishaps and lack of progress immediately went viral. Several still comment and ask questions. My brief encounter with a Musky under the Market Street Bridge has the most views. My articles are archived. “An Unbelievable Fishing Story” has 18,774 clicks.

Thanks again, folks. This guy is blessed. Appreciate the love and support. I enjoy my part-time gig with the Webb Weekly. Off to Lewistown this morning for a hoops scrimmage. Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers.