I learned how to swim at an early age in Lake Erie. My parents lived on the West Side of Cleveland, near Brookfield, W130th. My grandfather used to take me to the lakefront while he would fish and he would let me play in the water. Never had swimming lessons, it just seemed to happen.

When we moved to WV most of the swimming was in the river or out at the creek somewhere. Swan a lot as a kid in the creek out Proctor near Palestine. Anyway, I loved to swim and anytime I got the chance to go to the beach I loved the Ocean, and also the indoor pools at the Hotels. Couple weeks ago my wife and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in the Bahamas. I hadn’t swam for probably 20 years and didn’t know for sure if I still knew how or even was able. However it was like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget. I spent several hours in the water and enjoyed every minute of it. Can’t say I can still swim like the old days but I still made it happen and without much effort. Swimming in the ocean in water that is 80 degrees is paradise. The feeling of that water hitting my face is one of the best feelings ever. On the cruise ship I loaded up with sunscreen and hit the water. The swimming pool was olympic size and made for a real nice workout before lunch and dinner. Of course food was everywhere you looked so exercise was the trick to keep the pounds off. I heard a man last week saying there was no way he would ever take a cruise, he was scared of water. My biggest fear was flying, I never did like it and probably never will, however the thought of swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas outnumbered the fears of flying.

Overall it was a fantastic trip that we both enjoyed.

On the local sports scene, basketball is heating up. There are high school games about every night, so if you need something to do head out to the gym and watch some of the local boys and girls play hoops. Several high school wrestling matches have taken place and we have several really good wrestlers. If you want to watch a highly competitive individual sport go watch some of these boys and girls, you won’t be disappointed.

Magnolia girls volleyball team got knocked out of the state tournament in the first round to a good Pendleton County team, but they represented the Blue Eagles well and had chances to take the match, however it was not to be. Coach Pam Chapman and assistant coach Roger Clegg led the girls to a 17-13 season. The event was played at WV State after being set back a couple weeks from the tournament held at the Civic Center, due to legal issues. I am still not over what happened to Tyler Consolidated not being allowed to participate in the state Volleyball tournament and Cheerleading competition. It was an injustice to those athletes that can’t be undone.

The Steelers secured a spot in the playoffs and will be a tough matchup for whoever they play. Mountaineer basketball is exciting to watch and for the first time in several years you can expect to see good effort. Both the men and women teams are well coached and play hard every night out. They play fast paced games and are not afraid to mix it up. I like their hustle and their teamwork. Good free throw shooting and pressure defense will win games and they do both well.

With the hiring of Rich Rod back as head football coach WV will be fired up everytime they take the field. It’s a ways off still but you can bet the excitement is already brewing. It’s been awhile since there’s been a good coach on the sidelines and I believe the school made the right choice to get the program back to where it needs to be. “Spot the Ball.” And let’s shoot for a major bowl game next season. This year’s game left a lot to be desired. As has been the downfall all season in 2024, the Mountaineers defense was nearly non-existent. Garrett Greene gave an impressive performance passing for over 300 yards. But in the end the Memphis Tigers won the point total which is all that counts and came away with a 45-37 win.

The West Virginia Class A All-State Football team was announced last week and our area had 10 players from three schools make the grade. Two first team choices, three second team picks and five Honorable mention. Congratulations to these fine athletes who represented their schools during the 2024 season.

River girls will be playing basketball at Marietta College on Thursday in the annual high school tournament.Also playing in the Marietta Tournament will be Tyler Consolidated Girls and Boys. They play on Friday and Saturday. Hundred girls will be taking part in the Mapletown Christmas tournament Friday and Saturday. Magnolia Boys and Girls will host Valley high school on Saturday at Magnolia gym and on Monday and Tuesday (New Years Eve) Paden City boys will play in the Summersville Basketball Classic against Montcalm and Mt. Hope. Lots of good holiday basketball there. Several other games are on tap for next week including Magnolia Girls vs River and Hundred girls vs Valley. Both games are on Thursday, January 2.

With all the bowl games scheduled it won’t be hard to find something good to watch on TV, however in my opinion nothing beats being in the high school gym. Get out and support your high school athletes. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!