Opinion Archive

It was some point in early August of 2019 when I first took notice of Austin Reed on the football field.

He was slinging the ball around in a scrimmage on one of those hot and humid evenings we are all too familiar with here late in the summer here in Northwest Florida, looking like a quarterback capable of doing big things for a UWF football program with high hopes.

I owe Mike Krzyzewski a thank you in writing.

And seeing that his final season as the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils is winding down, it’s fitting that I publicly issue that thank you now rather than later.

You know when a kicker lines up for a field goal that seems destined to go in only to end up sailing wide left or wide right?

It almost happened this week.

Some teams dream of winning a state championship but never achieve it. But Pace’s softball team might just have a chance to get the job done this season.

The Patriots were a final four team a year ago and have nearly their entire roster back, including a pitching staff that might be unmatched in this area.

Pace didn’t win a district championship in girls basketball two weeks ago on a Friday night in Navarre.

The Patriots did their best to try to win one. They poured their hearts and souls into upsetting top-seeded and reigning champ Navarre.

National signing day has come and gone and once again there is no shortage of talent. Navarre, Pace, Milton, Crestview. All have athletes who are headed to the next level.

That chance to play a college sport is a dream for every athlete. Heck, I used to have that dream. I just didn’t have the talent to match it.

Reaching the top is never easy, especially in sports where the competition is always trying to stay one step ahead of you.

It takes time, patience and the willingness to deal with failure, which ultimately makes you stronger.