Something whispers in the wind...

Nimbly and delicately sweeping through the towering Georgia pines - under the soft moonlight of a Southern sky - fleeting whispers of memories past shatter the silence of this slumbering modern-day Garden of Eden.

The serene lull of a cool autumn breeze transports the memories of patrons’ bellowing roars. It carries the spirit of Roberts and Jones.

Under the cover of centuries-old flora, it trundles down Magnolia Lane and over the old clubhouse, brushing the Crow’s Nest before revealing the vast sanctuary below.

Through the chutes of dogwoods and loblolly pines, it lumbers along the immaculately groomed swells shaped by the hands of MacKenzie, Maxwell and Jones. If you listen closely, you can hear the roars of Sarazen's shot heard 'round the world in ‘35, Nicklaus’ eagle in ’86 and Tiger’s chip in 2005.

It creeps across the Hogan Bridge, where it meets the faint image of a young boy fishing in Rae’s Creek for his supper.

It wanders through the timbers to Ike’s Pond where, amidst a hazy morning fog, the figure of a man from a bygone era materializes on its banks…

In a few hours, the cool breeze will yield to a warm pulse of energy as the veil of darkness draped across the sanctuary gives way to light. But the silence will linger, as for the first time in its storied account, the gates beyond Berckmans Road will remain sealed. Millions will witness an unprecedented championship for an unprecedented time, but the hallowed grounds will remain pure and unspoiled.

Something whispers in the wind. It’s a tradition. 

A tradition unlike any other.

Community.

It’s the people around you. The ones you grow with, learn from and with whom you experience life. But perhaps most importantly, community keeps you together in times of suffering. Community rallies. Community comforts. Community loves.

A few weeks ago, I saw first-hand the power of Community.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, on the morning of November 1, 2018, the football team, school and Beggs community were forever changed by a senseless and unfathomable tragedy…”

I take great pride in my professionalism as a public address announcer. I know where my paycheck comes from and respect the wishes and direction of that organization. In a neutral site situation, I offer the same enthusiasm to both competing programs while offering a high level of in-game entertainment. I thoroughly prepare for each game - selecting appropriate music, practicing each name on the roster and reading through each promotional read and recognition planned. But nothing in this business has ever drawn such emotion from me as the first time I read through this.

“Less than 48 hours later, the Beggs Golden Demons squared off with the Sperry Pirates for the 2A-3 District Championship…”

I’ve announced moments of silence. The night before, I led one for the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. I’ve called military homecomings. There’s nothing quite like knowing you had a small part in making that day special for a little girl or little boy, seeing tears of pure happiness stream down their face as they embrace an American warrior - their mommy or daddy - returning home from protecting our freedom. But this was different. Knowing the situation - yet not being able to process how someone could take the lives of their own children - was incomprehensible.  

“The football team, school and community of Sperry have been the very example of love and compassion. The support and continued thoughts, prayers and well wishes have not only touched so many Beggs Demons, but has also served as a model of support that has positively affected so many…”

I knew I couldn’t make this about me. But every time I read it, I cried. I didn’t know the family. In fact, I don’t know anyone from Beggs, Oklahoma. But the nature of these circumstances and knowing the true heart of most Oklahomans, this one weighed heavy. A young man, widely praised as a star on his football team despite privately struggling with the issues of his mother, was taken away in an instant. His sister, soon following. A family ripped apart. Children, gone from this earth in the blink of an eye.

“At this time, Beggs leadership would like to present a plaque of appreciation to the entire Sperry community…”

It wasn’t improbable that the two teams would meet again. It seemed like divine intervention that they would. I was excited to get word that we would host the game - the Class 2A State Championship. But when I received this special recognition, I was terrified. How could I possibly read this without breaking? Can I even get through the first paragraph? If I feel this way, how must Beggs feel? The teammates of Kayson Toliver? How do you prepare for the biggest game of your life with something like this hanging over your head? 

As the moment drew nearer, my game plan was to internally distance myself from the situation. This was just another read, like the standard sportsmanship announcement or sponsor read. As I began, the hype of pregame seemed to stop in its tracks and a thick layer of reverence among the thousands of fans was broken only by a sharp chill in the air and my voice on the sound system. The first two paragraphs went as well as I could have hoped. Keep your head down and just read the words on the paper, I thought to myself. "Don’t look around. Don’t wonder what’s happening in the stands or on the field. 

But something caught my eye. As I began the final paragraph, my eyes inadvertently left the paper and fell on the field, where I saw the entire Beggs football program, side-by-side, raising their helmets in a show of solidarity and gratitude to the Sperry sideline. 

“Separated by distance, school colors and mascots. Bonded together through tragedy. Presented with gratitude and appreciation to the entire Sperry community for your outpouring of love, prayers and giving spirit. Thank you from all of Demon Nation and the Toliver/Hall families.”

On the last line, I broke.

It's been three years since I've returned to the place I once called home - Orlando, Florida, but when I got the call from Will Cohen, Director of Athletics at The First Academy, I knew right away that I would be heading back for this exciting opportunity. 

The First Academy hosted the inaugural The City Beautiful Invitational last week, entertaining fans with 32 basketball games featuring some of the finest high school programs in Florida and around the country. I had the opportunity to announce all 21 games in their new (and beautiful) Cramer Family Field House, including a double-overtime championship thriller that saw the Centerville (OH) High School Elks emerge victorious over the Boone (FL) High School Braves.

The experience was as educational as it was memorable. I saw some great basketball and learned a few new things about certain NFHS guidelines that I look forward to learning more about. It also wraps up my 2017 announcing year - my busiest yet. Over this last year, I've had the privilege of announcing 136 events, including high school football and baseball state championships, professional baseball, a pep rally, a band contest and a commercial.

I'll have some down time in the new few months, but look forward to getting busy again as baseball season begins to roll back around!