Wild Bill’s Weekly Sports Roundup

Wild Bill Turner
Wild Bill Turner

“Win just one for the Gipper”

In our comparative case, we need to win three for The Chief.

Yes, The Chief is expecting the sports department to blanket the area high school football openers next weekend. That translates into the PH-Hidden Valley and Byrd-Cave Spring games on Friday night, plus the North Cross-VES contest on Saturday afternoon.

Although many people mistakingly think the Gipper was Knute Rockne, the Gipper was actually George Gipp, one of the greatest football players in Notre Dame history who died from an infection as a senior after missing curfew and having to sleep outdoors.

If The Star decided to make a movie, it seems appropriate that I play Gipp. Not because of my football prowess, but the one most likely to miss curfew and sleep in the yard. Please, no reading between the lines.

Gipp supposedly uttered those words to Rockne on his deathbed. Rockne then used the phrase eight years later to encourage a lousy Fighting Irish team to rally and defeat an undefeated Army team 12-6 at Yankee Stadium.

In 1940 it all played out again in the MGM movie, “Knute Rockne-All American.” Once again, people mistakingly think Ronald Reagan played Rockne on the big screen, but Reagan actually played Gipp, with Pat O’Brien portraying Rockne. Yes, you always learn something when you read this column.

Well, our movie would have The Chief playing Rockne, since he’s like our coach. Plus, The Chief looks superb in a trench coat. So much for “this week in movie history.”

As the high school football season kicks off, it’s only appropriate that I point out a number of local players to keep an eye on, as they have either committed to or have offers from Division-1 college programs.

At Northside, Chance Hall has committed to the University of Tennessee, with Jelani Carter headed to Old Dominion. Cave Spring’s Zac Foutz has an offer from Liberty. In the Hidden Valley camp, Tyriq Harris has committed to UNC-Charlotte, with Titan Nate Atkins mulling over an offer from N.C. State. In Daleville, Lord Botetourt’s Nathan Thacker has an offer from Army. At Salem, Coleman Fox has received multiple offers, while quarterback Austin Coulling is still deciding if football or baseball will be his sport in the college ranks.

On to local baseball where the Salem Red Sox open their final regular season home stand tonight (Friday) for a 4-game set through Monday, August 25th against Wilmington. After Thursday night’s 2-1 win over Winston-Salem, the Sox had a two-game lead in the race for a playoff spot with 13 games remaining. After the final home stand, Salem plays nine games in seven days on the road.

Speaking of the Salem Sox, one of the most entertaining, if not bazaar, managerial displays took place last Sunday afternoon when Myrtle Beach manager Joe Mikulik took center stage in the middle of the fifth. Check The Star’s coverage, including a video replay, in this week’s on-line sports section.

Just a reminder, football isn’t the only fall sport in the high school ranks. Golf is well under way with volleyball and cross country on the horizon.

Until next week, when football predictions direct from the Ouija hit the press, send your inquiries to [email protected]

Maybe The Chief should play the Ronald Reagan role. After all, he IS exceedingly presidential.

(Chief’s note: Always easy to tell when bonus time is approaching at the Star . . .)

– Bill Turner

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