We can look back through the annuals of time and find many ex-athletes who have left their mark on their schools and communities. With most of them we remember what they did on the ball fields and courts, and they are often thought of and brought up in our conversations when discussing ex-players and coaches.

I grew up a sports fan. I’ve had sports in my life for as long as I can remember. Born in Cleveland and growing up along the Lake Erie shoreline I became a big fan of Professional sports. Back in those days there was nothing better than being at the ballpark. I still have friends and relatives today who have been lifelong die-hard Cleveland fans. Back when I was young you could get into a professional game for $2.00, and if your parents or grandparents worked in the right place they received tickets for good performance at work. As I wrote in my article before, my parents’ neighbor was an usher at Municipal Stadium and would take me to games where I met many of the legends.

That all changed later in my early teens when I became a Wildcat fan for life. I think that’s what it’s like for most sports fans, they pick a team and stay with them most of their lives. When we moved to Paden City I was a lad who got a quick taste of cultural shock. One day you’re in a big diverse city and the next you’re trying to figure out what happen to the skycrapers. Howver, you learn to adjust, and I wouldn’t trade my school days at Paden City High School for anything.

If you grew up in one of our local area communities and played sports, or were a die-hard fan you know what I mean. Our saying down at Paden City was “Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat.” I’m sure you all feel the same about your school. I like to think back on the local rivalries, and how the old “thuse (short for enthusiasm) meetings” use to get us fired up for the big games. Talking to ex-athletes about how it was at their school, about their greatest players and teams. The great coaches we all had. The high school bands and cheerleaders, all of it played a big part it our lives.

While we often reminisce about the big games, the great teams of yesteryear and the old days in general, it’s always good to remember those who left us to soon. It was shocking and sad to hear of the terrible car wreck early in the morning on New Years Eve that took the life of Ethan Cross a recent graduate of Paden City high school, the ex-Wildcat Quarterback of the football team and point guard for the basketball team.

Ethan like the rest of us was a true Wildcat. He had some great moments on the field of play for Paden City and his memory will live on. I remember watching him knock down those 3-pointers and scrambling for yards carrying the football. He was good athlete and a great kid who was taken from us way to soon. From us at the local newspapers we send our condolences out to his family during this time. And we thank them for the memories they have given us.

As I finish up this column, I want to remind all of our young people to cherish each and every day as if it is your last. Be extra careful on the roads, in the classrooms, at work and at home. Make the best of each day, be kind to one another and have respect for your teachers, coaches and employers. Life isn’t always easy, but it is a gift from God, the greatest gift ever offered to man.

One man who I think the world of will be honored on Sunday this week at Magnolia high school starting at 2 p.m. Longtime Magnolia Coach Dave Cisar who stood strong on the football and baseball sidelines for 48 years will be honored by the City of New Martinsville and also inducted into the Wetzel County Hall of Fame. We thank Coach Cisar for the example he’s set for so many athletes and students during his time at Magnolia. Come out an enjoy a few hours with him on Sunday, it will be a great day for all Blue Eagle fans.

I want to also give a shout out to one of Coach Cisar’s good friends, ex-John Marshall baseball coach Bob Montgomery. While recently talking with Bob, I found out he has refereed more than 5,000 high school basketball games in his career, including 40 state tournaments, and he’s still going strong. My question to him was “how long to you plan on doing it.” He responded, “as long as I can.” Now I don’t know about you, but to me that’s a life time of games.

I attended every high school state basketball tournament from 1973 until 2020 with the exception of three which couldn’t be helped, so I know I’ve witnessed Coach Montgomery in action many times. Didn’t really know him until recently, but I sure am glad I met him. He’s a great guy with some good stories.

Again everyone becareful, stay safe, enjoy life, and for good measure take in a ball game or two. eparsons@tylerstarnews.com