Basketball Season Is Over---Mixed Feelings

My 17th basketball season as a sportscaster has come to an end.  I am not sure how to feel about this.  Usually I am very happy that the season is over.  I get to be home more with my wife and family.  She is such an understanding lady living as a basketball widow all winter.  I don't have to get out in freezing weather and drive to "wherever" for games.  I will probably not get texts, tweets, emails, smoke signals or carrier pigeons from people who are upset because I did this game or that one or picked this team or that one.  I will get more rest, which I need these days.  That's all good!  But I also won't get the opportunity to see some great people that have been a part of my life for the past several months.  Coaches, players, fans, cheerleaders, broadcasters, etc.

Lately I have thought a great deal about what I do and why I do it.  I am truly blessed to be able to work with some wonderful people and promote some great student athletes.  That is who I do what I do for.  I was also recently shown the realization that we are not guaranteed our next game.  Wednesday night at this year's Sweet 16 I sat and talked to my friend Ira Combs for over an hour.  When he left, he said, "I'll see ya Friday Timbo, I am going to Louisville tomorrow."  I didn't see Ira Friday, he died in the Yum Center Thursday morning.  I have no idea if God will give me another season or not.  So I want to thank everyone who made this past season an awesome one.  Late in the year I decided to grab as many pictures as I could of people I cover.  I called them "memory makers" and I am thankful for those of you who obliged.  Here are some collages of those pics.

 And here are some more!

And yet some more!!

As you can see, I have had a blast this season!!  I got to work with my son all year.  We were able once again able to work district and region championships together.  We worked both Boys and Girls Sweet 16 together.  I love that aspect of my job as well.  When I left the State Tourney today, a lot of people said, "See ya next year Tim!"  To which I replied, "Lord willing."  But I hugged them, took some pictures, made sure they knew I appreciate them, just in case.  We never know.

The season is over.  Part of me is so relieved cause it hasn't been an easy season for me.  Part of me is so sad, because I know some of the people in the photos above, I may never see again.  Thanks for those reading this.  You have some type of interest in what I have to say, so THANK YOU no matter if you were a player, coach, fan, listener, whatever, I do so much appreciate you all!  God bless!

If You See Me Cry....

I wouldn't even try to guess how many ball games I have been privileged to broadcast on the air.  After 16 years and a few pounds lost or gained and a few thousand miles on the road, it's pretty much been a blur. One game I will never forget occurred on March 6, 2006.  It wasn't a particularly super important type game.  But it was a great ball game.  Coach Rick Mays and his Elliott Co Lions knocked off the mighty Ashland Tomcats 61-59 in what I could only describe as a good ol' good one. Jonathan Ferguson had an awesome game en route to winning the MVP of the Tournament despite losing in the finals to Russell that year.

I called the game, ran to my car and began the drive home to see my son Titus.  I wasn't sure I would get to see him alive.  His 32 day old body was weakening from a heart disease he was born with.  As I approached Olive Hill, my son Tucker called to see when I would be home.  I told him about 20 minutes.  I heard him say, "Daddy will be here in 20 minutes Titus!"  As I walked in the house, my lovely bride was rocking our son as she had for the past 31 days.  I walked over to the chair, she handed Titus to me.  He opened up 1 eye as if to make sure Daddy was home, then he took a deep breath and died in my arms.  I said at time it was a beautiful ending to our journey with Titus.  We were all surrounding him with love and comfort as he went home to be with his Creator.

My next assignment at Ellis T Johnson Arena is Friday, March 6th.  It is very difficult for me to walk into that gym on that day.  Memories of that night come flooding back. When I get there, I really don't want to leave.  But for me, the best way to handle difficult situations has always been to work.  It takes my mind off things.  If we play Friday night, when the East Lady Raiders and Ashland Kittens tip it up, my world goes to basketball for the next hour and a half.

So, if you see me cry this weekend, whether it be in the gym on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday.  Or if you see me crying in Ralph's or Pizza Hut.  Just know the tears are selfish, but it's ok to give me a hug or a pat on the back.  It is even OK to ignore me if you wish.  Just know I  am missing my son.  I wouldn't bring him back even if I could, but I sure do wish he could be at the gym with me.  He would be 9 years old, strutting around press row loving the fact that his dad and brother were on the radio and he was sitting next to them with a headset on listening.

So if you see me crying, just know my heart is with my son this weekend.  If I seem down or distant, please don't take it personal.  For a little while I am, in my mind, visiting my son, knowing I have to leave him for a little while.  But the good news is, I will get to see him forever some day!!

God bless you all.

Tim