Old friend reminds us of a ‘blast from the past’

An old friend and golf mentor – Harvey Aaron – dropped by last week to share a newspaper clipping find he had made while cleaning out some old drawers.

Seems that back in 1971, when we were all much younger, he and I were partnered up in a scramble at the then just three-year-old 76 Falls Country Club and when the day was all said and done, Harv and I had finished the day with a three-under par 69, while my Dad, the late A.B. Gibson and founder of this Clinton County News, finished the tournament with his partner, the late Clayton Smith, with a two-under par 70.

Dad relayed the weekend story in his weekly column that appeared on the front page at the time – under his pen name “B.A. Nosbig”, comparing it to the time several years earlier when I had again “skunked” him during a fishing trip.

It was fun looking back at the column, but as much fun as that was, I’ll have to say it was even more fun to get the chance to once again visit with my old friend – and mentor of many things – Harvey Aaron. Thanks for stopping by, Sis!

Radio Auction is Friday

Everyone reading these pages this week should already be aware from the information that appears in the front page article that this Friday night is the annual Clinton County High School Basketball Boosters Club / WANY Radio Auction.

After all these years, I often assume that everyone knows how the event works, but then I am reminded every year that there are always a whole new set of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. who join the ranks of basketball fans each season, as their youngster becomes active as a Lady Bulldog or Bulldogs – so for you newbies – welcome to the fun. Tune in, or come out this Friday to the CCHS Cafeteria, and jump in on some great fun.

We never seem to be anything but exciting – and entertaining.

March Madness – here we go

When I placed the microphone down last Friday night at the end of the double-header game against Monroe County, I closed out my 35th season as the public announcer for the Lady Dawgs and Bulldogs. Still, I’m looking forward to next week and at least four more nights behind the mic when we host the 16th District Tournament.

I will have to say, at the close of this regular season – as has been the case in the past several years, this season was a fun one to be involved with, both girls and boys.

For some reason, I came to know these players perhaps a little better than in other years – and it has been an especially enjoyable season.

There have been years that weren’t as enjoyable, and even a few years when I remember thinking at the close – “that was the last one”.

Not the case this time. As the old saying goes – with a little addition – “If the creek don’t rise, and the good Lord willing, and if Mike Beard don’t fire me”, I would hope to be there for the 2014-15 start come November.

Now, for March Madness – even if it is just February.

We close out the regular season play Thursday night, end another Booster Radio Auction on Friday, then on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of next week, we head back to The Castle for the 16th District Tournament.

The calendar says it’s February, but in Kentucky high school basketball circles, the Madness begins now!

For the next month or so, high school basketball fans across this roundball crazy Commonwealth will be heading to gymnasiums, dressing in war paint and doing everything they can to help their high school team – big school and small, public and private – reach that one goal that is common each and every night of this unique season . . . win one more game.

Each win, means another game. After this first round, each win becomes even more important. It means yet another game, hopefully another, then another and finally – a big road trip to the coveted final prize – an appearance on the big floor – Diddle Arena for the girls, Rupp Arena for the boy – in the Sweet 16 State Tournament.

While reaching the tournament is the first goal for every team, once they are there, everything becomes focused on the big goal. Standing shoulder to shoulder on the playing floor with your team, watching that highlight video and trying to just swallow past that lump in your throat – then grabbing onto the big trophy and riding the fire truck back home.

It’s a system like no other – all in the same pot, shake ’em up and start the clock. It’s ain’t over until the end of March.

Hey – it might be February on the calendar, but in Kentucky it’s. . .

March Madness in Kentucky – don’t call me until April!