2016 is here.
Another year has rolled off the calendar.
Another twelve months for The Star covering sporting events from high school to professional, another 52 weeks wearing my signature Loudmouth pants and another 365 days hanging out with The Chief.
Oh, yeah, The Chief.
The Chief has scheduled his annual state of the union address at an upcoming corporate event where I’m hoping to receive a year-end bonus to cover a surfing competition in Hawaii or one of those zip-line races in Costa Rica.
Make no mistake about it, I haven’t packed any swimwear yet. I never try to outguess The Chief.
Regardless, it’s time to take a quick look back at the top 2015 highlights in this column.
Hard to beat last fall’s ‘Big-11’ high school football predictions where my trusty Ouija Board correctly predicted 80 out of 90 games, nearly costing The Chief a new Maserati in the process.
Second has to be the renewal for the third year of my association with Loudmouth Golf. Being promoted to a Loudmouth Ambassador means my signature flamboyant pants will continue to grace games throughout the year. Sunglasses optional.
And, who can forget this column’s late-night product reviews, from the Colorama Coloring Book to the Chia Zombies, along with this summer’s idea of me molding a sculpture of Manneken Chief in an upscale Roanoke neighborhood.
Yes, Ars Gratia Artis, the MGM Studios slogan meaning “Art for Art’s Sake,” which along with Leo the Lion makes up their logo. Not to be confused with my mentor, Carol Righter, who threw a psychic Hollywood Leo party before the lion fell in his pool.
Another solid verification that you always learn something in this column.
Well, enough reminiscing. Let’s move to what’s going on in the local sports scene as we kick off 2016.
VHSL All-State football selections were recently announced for the 3A and 4A ranks, where a large number of our ‘Big-11’ players received recognition.
GROUP 3A ALL-STATE OFFENSIVE FIRST TEAM:
Matt Russell, center, Northside; John Turner, lineman, Lord Botetourt; Noah Fletcher, running back, Lord Botetourt; Grant Clemons, kicker, Lord Botetourt
GROUP 3A ALL-STATE DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM:
Carlos Basham, defensive end, Northside; Grant Leonard, linebacker, Lord Botetourt; Bradley Lythgoe, defensive back, Lord Botetourt
3A Player of the Year– Carlos Basham, Northside
GROUP 3A ALL-STATE OFFENSIVE SECOND TEAM:
Kole Bridgers, lineman, Hidden Valley
GROUP 3A ALL-STATE DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM:
Jordan Stovall, linebacker, Cave Spring
GROUP 4A ALL-STATE OFFENSIVE FIRST TEAM:
Braxton Wall, lineman, Salem; Donte Clayborne, running back, Salem; Viante Tucker, receiver, Salem
GROUP 4A ALL-STATE DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM:
Shaquille Howell, defensive end, Salem; Riley Fox, linebacker, Salem; Daniel Ponton, defensive back, Salem
4A Coach of the Year– Stephen Magenbauer of the 4A State Champion Salem Spartans
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club will open 2016 with Media Night on Monday, January 18th at the Salem Civic Center. Sports journalists from television and print media will share their insights, and the Salem High School football team will be recognized for their state championship run. The 5:45 social will be followed by a 6:00 dinner meeting. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for more information or to make reservations.
Finally, a sendoff to 2015 with an end-of-year question to the mailbag.
Dear Wild Bill; I’ve checked CVS, Target and Wal-Mart. None has heard of the Chia Chief. Where can you find this Chia figure? (Myrtle/Roanoke)
Sorry, Myrtle, it’s still in prototype. Just buy the Chia Zombie, Chia Obama or look at a picture of Martin Van Buren. You’ll get the idea.
Until next time, assuming I don’t get the axe, keeping chopping those questions to [email protected]
Chief’s Note: I have no idea why, exactly – but the staff has voted to keep him. Here’s to a blessed and adventurous 2016 with His Wildness.
