Volume 293

(All opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author. In no way does this reflect the opinions of members of the Tri-C Youth Athletic Board or any other affiliated with the program.)

Sunday was the birthday of our greatest U. S. President. Comparing any other to him only makes the others look less significant. Abraham Lincoln was born 203 years ago, but his thoughts and writings could and should be applied to today. Lincoln was, to be sure, a masterful politician, but one who did not “pander to the base”, but one who took a sometimes unpopular stance and persuaded or led people.

Three things strike me as the most remarkable about Lincoln and they are not necessarily the ones that others would choose. Much has been written about Lincoln’s compassion and identification with those of a less fortunate status. While these are both important aspects of this most complex man, this only superficially defines him.

First, Lincoln was one of the few historical figures, as I am aware, that had the great ability of taking himself outside of the equation. In other words, instead of looking at how something affected him, he was able to objectively measure a particular issue from outside the borders that may constrain others. This is a high form of genius.

He, also, overcame the suffering of some of the greatest personal losses that one can imagine. The losses of two sons plus two of his very dear friends, in addition to the losses of so many on both sides of our most tragic conflict, would have made a lesser human lose focus on his charge. This in addition to being treated with hatred and disrespect by many during his time in office made him even more dedicated to the proposition of helping bind our country’s wounds.

Another important thing about Lincoln was the fact that he kept growing intellectually and in an understanding of planning for a better future. His open-mindedness should be a lesson for all. Those of a close-minded approach more often than not retard the growth of a society and do not embrace the possibility of making this planet and this life better for all.

It should be remembered that he also wrote two of the greatest speeches ever written in the English language. The Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Speech move me every time I hear or read them. The man was so poetic in his prose, it is simply inspiring. No one better explained the issues of his time, not just the conflict of the Civil War, but what should be the responsibility of us the citizens of this nation.

“With malice toward none, with charity for all…” Is this not the way all of us should want to lead our lives? Thank you, Mr. Lincoln. I hope I can always keep those words close to me.

***

ODDS and ENDS

Mark your calendars for March 23. On that date a number of thoughtful people throughout the community will be sponsoring a spaghetti dinner as a benefit for Rich Lentz and his family. As many of you know, Rich was diagnosed last year with cancer and has been going through treatment in his battle versus this disease. Rich is currently a Tri-C Athletic Board Member and has been a coach in our program for seven years. He has always been supportive of the children of our community. Now is the time for us to be supportive of him. Please, plan on attending this event or in the case you are out of the area, find a way to assist this good man and his family. For more information contact Holly Barrett at 618-579-9511.

Many of us awoke this morning with the news of the passing of Whitney Houston. Her beautiful voice and her classic songs will live in the hearts of many. It is tragic that a person with so much to offer others was unable to reach the inner happiness that she deserved.

Next Saturday will be the last games for our Tri-C basketball season. Remember our annual Shoot-out and coaches’ game will be the following Saturday, February 25. Not only has this been a fun-filled time in the past, but all monies raise at this event go toward the building fund. It has long been felt that Tri-C Athletics and the population it serves can benefit from having a facility, primarily for basketball, but one that could be used for other sports as well. For the past five years, this fund raiser as well as anytime an adult volunteer has refereed or umpired a game the money has gone directly into the fund. We are a long way from that goal, but hope to in the future be able to make this happen with the help of a grant and those who have volunteered their time. A lot of people have volunteered their Saturdays for years with this in mind. Now, you can also be a part to help us with this cause. Try to attend and be a part to help us as we pursue this goal.

Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. This should be an important day to most of us. Please, take the time to share your love with that one and only in your life. Saturday, Martha and I will celebrate 34 years of marriage. I hope I am able to pick out the right gifts to make her happy. After all she deserves it living that long with me.

***

Again, a big thank you goes to Dave Draper and Bill Rosado for providing the information to post the standings, which may be found under each individual league. They also provided this writer the information to update our scoring leaders.

Scoring Leaders

Boys A

1 Nik Lamb--------------------147

2 Christian Albert-------------88

3 Ryan Gaddis-----------------69

**Matt Turner-----------------69

5 Connor Bybee---------------68

6 Alex Meade------------------66

7 Brandon Teal----------------56

8 Brock Evraets----------------52

9 Kestutis Lazdinis------------47

10 Markas Lazdinis-----------45

11 Dante Boens----------------39

12 Ethan Krumrey-------------35

13 Isaac Cordero--------------33

14 Grant Garbe----------------29

15 Austin Knight-------------24

Boys B

1 Luke Stritzel-----------------75

2 Trent Glidewell-------------74

3 Cedric Jordan---------------60

4 Tyler Bittle------------------49

5 Peter Baker------------------45

6 Keenan Williams-----------43

7 Cody Rector-----------------38

** Haden Vaughn-------------38

9 Caleb Knight----------------36

10 Connor Hawkins----------32

11 Cameron Hall--------------27

12 Tanner Sizemore----------24

13 Trevon Boens--------------22

** Mitchell Kidd-------------22

15 Zack Smith----------------21

Boys C

1 Bryce Anderson------------55

2 Nick Brown-----------------51

3 Taylor Siemer---------------49

4 Ben Haake-------------------41

5 Matthew Wallace-----------24

6 Eric Bybee-------------------23

7 Quentin Myers---------------21

8 Max Poole--------------------20

9 Keaton Rosado---------------19

10 Bradon Ingle----------------16

11 Lance Thomas--------------13

12 DeAndre Boens------------10

**Graham Dynis---------------10

14 Mikey Null-------------------7

15 Matthew Edwards-------=--6

**Aiden Liss---------------------6

**Clay Webb--------------------6

Girls A

1 Caitlyn Culp-----------------103

2 Brittney Morgan-------------52

3 Brittany Swain---------------44

4 Taylor Morgan---------------42

5 Brianna Perry----------------34

**Hannah Hooks--------------34

7 Georgie Ren------------------26

8 McKenzie Rogman---------25

9 Summer Rains---------------22

10 Maria Starkey--------------18

11 Kate Crosby----------------17

12Madilyn Billington---------16

**Erin Robertson--------------16

14 Sydney Billington---------14

15 Elizabeth Dennison--------10

Girls B

1 Abbey Crain-----------------99

2 Madison Fleege-------------59

3 Megan Beach----------------51

4 Emma Robinson------------50

5 Julia Stroud------------------42

6 Alaina Reno-----------------26

7 Abigail Krumrey-----------24

8 Emma Watson--------------22

9 Mallory Sizemore----------17

10 Maddie Campbell---------16

11 Emily Perry----------------15

12 Averi Vanderzille---------13

13 Allie Hottensen-----------12

14 Kirsten Jordan--------------9

15 Courtney Larimar----------8

**Maddie Olson---------------8

***

A couple of days ago, I drove about an hour to Clearwater to meet my nephew, Bill Powell. He was in Florida to watch his daughter, Adi, play softball for Lindenwood University of St. Charles, Missouri and I joined him at the park. Adi pitched in a superior manner for the first two innings, shutting out the team from Florida Southern. She ran into trouble in the third, though, giving up four hits and a walk and was relieved of her duties by the coach. This in itself is not a remarkable story. What did interest me was her attitude after she was removed. She became a leader in the dugout and very supportive of her teammates and constantly maintaining her cheerful smile and upbeat personality.

It made me realize that this was what was good about sports. Even though Adi had two good seasons at Kaskaskia College, after graduating from Trico, and now in her senior year she is not a superstar. Nonetheless, she loves the comradery and the friendships she has made. As I have long felt the truly great thing about sports is the friendships that one carries with them for the rest of their lives.

Too often we see adults placing unrealistic expectations on their children or grandchildren. An increasing number of children “burn out” on a particular sport before they even reach their full athletic ability. Simply put, sports should be fun and children should be given time to be children. We should all strive to remember what is truly important. Thank you Adi, for making that fact clear to me and anyone else willing to pay attention.

***

Until next time,

Pay attention,

Hustle, and always

Use your noodle