There are two things I get asked a lot while doing my job, and I was asked both this week. I think they are the same two questions that all of us get asked when we get to talking about work.
‘What do you like most about your job?” and, usually when we are discussing problems about work, “What would you do?”
The first one is easy. High school sports are the last level where there are kids that are playing the game solely because they love it. Sure, there are the ones that will go on to play for big name colleges or in professional leagues later in life, but for most of them this will be the last time they play their game in a truly competitive environment.
Because of that thrill and enjoyment that hasn’t yet been diluted by the pursuit of contracts and rankings, I get to be witness to some of the greatest moments in sports. That’s what I like most about my job, and it was on full display across the Dawson County world of sports during this past week and I was thrilled to be a part of it all.
As for the second question, “What would you do?” You are on your own with that one. I tell stories for a living.
Little League World Series 2018
Now… talk about some grit and determination. Those kids from Peachtree City finished their run in Williamsport this week falling just short of the United States Bracket LLWS Champions Trophy by losing to Hawaii for the second time in the tournament by a score of 3–0.
Having lost to Hawaii in their first game of the Series and setting a record for the longest Little League World Series game in history, the Georgia team fought their way all the way back through the elimination bracket for their shot at the title.
If it is any consolation the boys from Hawaii went on to defeat the kids out of South Korea and bring the LLWS championship back to the United States.
DCHS graduate makes roster
2017 Dawson County High School graduate Jeremy Whalen has been announced as a member of the starting line-up for The Norse of Luther College. Listed as a linebacker on the roster, Whalen has a good relationship with Head Coach Caleb Padilla who up until this year served as the team’s defensive backs coach.
Jeremy and the Norse, who have been picked to finish fifth in the American Rivers Conference, will see their first action in a strong test against Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponent UW-Lacrosse. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 1 and is available for livestream via the Luther Athletics department website https://www.luther.edu/sports/men/football/.
Game week starts for UGA
University of Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart held his first game week news conference on Monday, Aug. 27 and left a curious issue up for debate. With only a few days left until game time Smart has still not announced the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against Austin-Peay this Saturday, Sep. 1.
Both Jake Fromm and Justin Fields would be good choices, and each would bring their slightly different style to a Georgia offense that is primed and ready. With a full year under his belt, including four quarters of championship football, my money is on Fromm.
Bob Christian is the sports reporter for the Dawson County News.