I want to take a moment to thank Coach Gary Martel and everyone associated with the Diboll High School Lumberjacks Athletic program. You folks are world class and deserve a pat on the back.
I chose a line of work in writing sports and I usually love it beyond belief, but when you have to deal with athletic programs that are difficult to communicate with, and I don't care if they are the greatest team ever, it makes things miserable.
As for what you get when dealing with Gary Martel is first and foremost a warm welcome, and most importantly a communicator that wants to make sure his student athletes get the attention and credit they deserve. For a sports writer that makes life a whole heck of a lot easier, trust me!
With that said Diboll sports fans, you all should consider yourself lucky to have Coach Martel here in his role. I have met many coaches in this line of work, and just through competing in organized sports, Martel is a good one.
A Wonderful Town!
I must say I have come to enjoy many things here in the Diboll area, and there is no denying that you folks have some hidden treasures. The bike trails, country club, park and fishing down on the Neches, all very remarkable.
While, a small town, much smaller than any I have lived in before, I find there are some progressive thinkers and doers here as well. That is something that obviously has, and will continue to pay dividends in the future.
The people have all been wonderful, and I can honestly say no one has even been remotely disrespectful or slighted me in anyway. I can truly say I am grateful for that treatment. When you relocate somewhere on your own, well it can be hard not to have family and friends right there by your side.
Thought's on Campbell's
Reading the pages of Dave Campbell's Texas Football, and being around the Diboll Football bunch a time or two this Summer got me to thinking, and it does not say much for my thoughts on Campbell's. It is a publication that does provide more information than any other place you can find on a state level, however their picks in some areas just must come out of the air.
This year Diboll fans should be excited with a fourth place prediction, I mean afterall it was only last years magazine that pegged the Lumberjacks in the No. 5 spot in District 20-3A. That of course led the Jacks to a three-way District Title share. Now in the four spot who knows, perhaps a two-way or sole district title is on the horizon.
That is not a far fetched idea either, these guys are fast and talented here in Diboll. Of course on the other hand, I am certain there are some talented kids elsewhere in the district.
Another factor of course is coaching and I firmly believe that Diboll is not going to be lacking in this area. Now I also must admit from personal knowledge that Carthage has a couple of outstanding coaches on their staff.
I guess my biggest point is this, I run out every year and I buy my copy just like everyone else in Texas. I read it front to back, except the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns sections, GO SKINS and COOGS! I also find it to be a very informing bunch of information, however it comes out months before the season and I have always found it hard to believe that below 5A and 4A Football there is that much readily available information or knowledge of who will do what, with exception to some of the annual powers. Now that too is not always a good gaging point, case in oint last years sure 5A Texas Champ, Lufkin, oops!
Bottomline the magazine is great for information, and every once in a while it is really accurate, but that does not mean it is always right. So Lumberjacks, get out there and prove the experts wrong!
Good bye!
I never thought it would come so soon, but on the other hand I always knew it would come, my departure from Diboll and the Free Press. I am somewhat disappointed that I will miss the Lumberjacks wreck shop on the football field, well I will not miss it entirely, but I most of it.
On the other hand I have a chance to go home and be near my family and friends, and move ahead in my career. That family aspect is of course the most important.
As for me I will be marking a date on my calendar this football season in Liberty, TX. Coming from Dayton you have no more disdain for anyone than Liberty, so Jacks I ask you now bring your game and stomp those Panthers. I'll see you there!
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