From the sidelines
ESPN has its “Epsy’s”, and I have the “Marty’s” so it’s time for this year’s newspaper awards show.
The criteria is simple—you must affect the sports world in a special way this past year, and believe me there have been plenty of that especially here in the New River Valley.
The first “Marty” goes to the likes of Radford’s Guy Gilmore and Blacksburg’s Jim Johnson, two individuals that have given of the time to their respective high schools for a long, long time.
Gilmore has been the Radford football team’s scorekeeper for 50 years. If you average five games a year during that time, he has kept score for as many as 250 games.
Johnson is among a few amount of individuals that hold the sticks and down markers each and every Friday night. He, too, has logged a lot of volunteer hours despite the rain and colder temps over the years. A special thank you goes to everyone that stands on the sidelines holding a yard marker each and every week.
Eastern Montgomery runningback Devin Owens receives a “Marty” for rushing for over a 1,000 yards in a backfield of a losing team.
Meanwhile Blacksburg’s Chase Orndorff receives the honor for playing an entire season with a body full of metal. The senior defensive end has suffered so many injuries requiring surgery over the past four years of playing football that he is full of metal rods and screws. Please Chase, be careful when going through the airport checkpoint and metal detector.
Zach Epperly is another honoree. The former Virginia Tech and Christiansburg wrestler came home after graduation earlier this year and will be an assistant coach at his ol’ alma mater.
A special “Marty” goes to Frank Vick, who has become a travel basketball legend in these parts. Vick coaches a team called “Vick’s Kids” who travel around the country playing against some of the best teams in the nation. He also hosts many tournaments during the summer in both Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
A “Marty” must also go to the Montgomery County School Board for stepping up to the plate and providing new athletic facilities at Christiansburg High School who will have an artificial turf football field as early as next season with a new softball field and concession stand to follow in the very near future.
A special “Marty” is given to David Hagan for being named one of the top owners in minor league baseball this past season. We will also give one to outgoing Pulaski Yankee general manager Blair Hoge. Thanks for all your hard work. You will be missed in the New River Valley.
A “Marty” has to go to the Radford Recreation Department, Radford High School and Radford City officials who have hosted the Virginia High School League’s spring jubilee for a number of years. They deserve a pat on the back for throwing such a great tournament, drawing thousands to the area every May.
Randy Hall deserves a “Marty” for back-to-back Pigskin Pick wins. He finished atop of the 2017 panel.
I would be remiss if I didn’t hand an award to Radford’s P.J. Prioleau who as a freshman played almost every position on the high school football field this past season.
The overall team “Marty” award goes to Christiansburg High School who finished 0-10 this past season on the football field. I present them with the 2017 sportsmanship award.
A “Marty” also goes to the Christiansburg girls’ Dixie 9-10 year old girls’ softball team who had to endure disrespect and “un-sportsmanship” while playing in the state tournament this past summer. An opposing coach struck a Christiansburg player while arguing with an umpire on a close call at first base.
Nationally, I would also send a “Marty” to the Houston Astros for finally winning a World Series. Just remember to look over your shoulder as both the Yankees and Cubs are still right behind you.