In March of 1997, I ran into Carlotta Grandstaff in the middle of State Street in Hamilton. (We were both walking.) I asked about an ad I had seen in the Bitterroot Star. They were looking for a sports reporter. I love sports, and used to have to write reports when I worked at the Sheriff’s Office. I asked her if she thought I could do the job and she said, ‘write a story and hand it it.’
That was the job interview. I wrote a story on the new Victor Baseball complex. I handed it in to a very confused Michael Howell who didn’t have a clue who I was, and the story was printed. Victoria was out of town at the time and when she came back, she told me I had the job.
Since that March, I have covered sporting events I never would have gone to. Although I still think soccer should have penalties when the ball is deliberately kicked out of bounds, I also have gained an appreciation for the athleticism of these boys and girls. I have been to swim meets and triathlons and marveled at the stamina these sports build. I also still think girls basketball should never have been moved from being a fall sport to a winter sport.
I began my trek with plans of following my son through his high school career, and I did. But what I didn’t expect were the number of young men and women who became like family to me. Years later, I love catching up with these athletes, they still feel just like family. And now, the kids of the early kids are in high school, or getting ready to graduate.The hugs that I’ve been given by these kids are priceless. Thank you all so much!
Then there are the coaches who have become family: Sam Baerlocher, Keith Chambers, Terry Rosin, Dave Bradshaw, Steve Gideon, Duane Zeiler, Kristi Schlimgen, and more. I could not have done this job without your kindness and encouragement. Through some of the challenges I have faced in the last few years, these folks have shown up and helped me any way they could. They have become family.
It’s no secret I love sports but I really, really, really love high school sports. Most of the athletes out there are doing it for the pure love of the game and their teammates. Watching a team of individuals come together for the success of all is amazing. Also amazing are those individual athletes who work and work and work to attain their goals. Thank you for your inspiring accomplishments.
This venue has also given me a voice to share my life as a native ‘Victoriite’, and a ranch girl. My stories of growing up in a simpler time have been fun to revisit. Who knows, maybe I’ll settle down and write a book about it all.
Thank you to all the readers who put up with my non-traditional method of sports reporting.I want to thank Michael and Victoria Howell for taking a chance on a red neck gal all those years ago. This truly has been a dream job.