Headed for Sports Illustrated. . . or ESPN?


In a previous post about the trip Adam and I took down to Utah, I mentioned his obsession with a new book he had gotten for Christmas: The College Basketball Encyclopedia. I thought the novelty would wear off and that the book would eventually be set aside and rarely referred to. I was wrong. Oh my word! He has a thirst for sports trivia, facts, and news that puts the casual sports fan to shame and that would most likely impress a sportswriter and/or sportscaster.

This afternoon he was peppering me with facts and figures and inquiring about past college basketball players and games: "Did you remember when N.C. State beat Houston in the championship game?" and other such gems. He expressed a mix of jealously and awe that I was actually watching the game when Duke beat Kentucky on a last-second jumper from the top of the key (Grant Hill to Christian Laettner) to win the semi-final game on their way to an NCAA championship. Somehow, he picked up a love of the Dookies, and he asked me today, "Do you think Duke will win another championship in my lifetime?" I hope so, son.

Anyway, it's been fun to see him get so excited about something. When he saw me taking the above picture, he said, "Those are the two best books EVER." Well, I think that there might be a few other more important literary offerings, but I'm glad he has a fun hobby. His latest venture is to try his hand at sportswriting. He has even posted an article at http://www.bleacherreport.com/. Feel free to peruse it, and see if his passion rubs off on you. Warning: it is about Duke basketball, so if you hate the Blue Devils and Coach K like some people do, you may want to skip it.

At Last. . . Almost

I am thrilled to report that Matt is on the cusp of receiving his Eagle Scout. He finished his project this summer, then dragged his feet just a bit on getting it written up. When he found out that (a) there was a Court of Honor scheduled for February 24th and (b) his Young grandparents would be in the country during the semi-annual closure of the Hermosillo Mexico Temple, he kicked it into high gear. He had his Board of Review last Thursday and passed. Mike took everything into the scout office, so we are on tap to have a celebration in few weeks, complete with one set of doting grandparents. My parents will be cheering from Bulgaria, I am sure.

I have very mixed feelings about scouting, so I'll have to admit that I'm excited to see Matt closing this chapter of his life. (Although if he wants to start earning palms, more power to him.) I think that scouting has the potential to teach Young Men a lot, and I do know that both Matt and Adam have benefitted from their time in scouting. However, I'm more impressed by the Duty to God award and I'm more hopeful that they fulfill those requirements. Anyway, good job, Matt! I'm proud of you!