Marty Gordon
The holidays are quickly sneaking up on us, and that means the college football bowl season. In Blacksburg, the Hokies are preparing for the Military Bowl and over the next week, we will take a closer look at how the team continued its longtime bowl streak and the future of the program.
The end of the year also brings back flashbacks of the year in sports, and what could be the biggest story of the year—the Hokies not so graceful season.
Jeremy Webb came to Blacksburg as one of the top defensive backs in the country. The Junior College standout suffered a torn left Achilles tendon and was not able to play in his first season for the Hokies. Now, he has apparently torn his right Achilles, thus knocking him out of spring practices.
Team officials still hope he can return and possibly see action this fall.
Reportedly, a local defensive tackle will be joining Webb and the Hokies this fall. Glenvar’s Max Philpott has been offered a preferred walk-on spot at Tech.
Philpott had 42 tackles for a loss on a team that ran their way into the Class 2 state playoffs.
Christmas gifts
My Christmas gift list for those sportsmen in your life is also interesting to assemble.
At the top of the list is something new from Yeti: The SideKick Dry is designed to keep the important things accessible, secure, and 100% dry. This waterproof gear case is the worry-free way to carry your keys, wallet, fishing license, and phone in the wild. It’s constructed with a powerfully magnetic HydroShield Closure and RF-welded seams that repel any sign of wetness. Retail price of $49.99.
This might seem like an unusual gift, but it is important for both the outdoors and indoors. The reliable number 8 iron skillet is a perfect gift. Price tag is reasonable at around $8.
The National Parks System has released a 2019 calendar that features the favorite places for outdoorsmen. This item at $30 dresses up an office, home or hunting lodge.
Outdoor Life magazine has one of my favorites for our best outdoor companion with a stocking stuffer that looks like a CD case. The kit includes two collapsible dishes, one for water and one for storing food.
You can also include first aid and other items for your dog. The whole kit can fit into a jacket pocket and comes in at a reasonable price of $20.
Pinnacle gloves from Cabella’s are also find. They are waterproof and made of a Gore-Tex warmth. They are toasty for any condition. Price is $75.
The next item is one of my favorites at $24. The outdoor edge ChowPal is very compact and provides a spoon and fork for anyone. It also includes a bottle and can opener, and a screwdriver that makes another stocking stuffer.
Something that is very important in the winter months is another great gift—a boot dryer. I now have one and would recommend as a perfect gift for those outdoorsmen in your life. Prices range from $24 to $89.
Of course, a boot mat is also another great gift. Everyone has the puddle and dripping from shoes after we come in from the snow and slushing times outside.
Heartland Signs provides a very personal item for hunters and fishermen. You can capture that favorite moment by placing the photograph on a canvas or wooden wall hanging. For $33, the company will customize that favorite picture to remember that moment.
For the fisherman in the house, you can also give them a personalized fishing lure.
Personalizatonmall.com will print a heavy-gauge steel spoon lure with any name or one of four loving fishing verses. The lure includes a jump ring and treble hook. One of the examples is from a girlfriend that said “Mike, I am hooked on you.” The price is $12.99.
The same company also does a personalized cooler/fishing bucket for $49.99.
I found the next idea on Amazon and just love it. For $39.99, there is a portable tool case that has almost anything you would need for the outdoors and is perfect for aspiring scouts. The kit includes: a compass, a tactical pen, wrenches, saw blade, flint fire starter, tactical flashlight, a thermal blanket, a military knife and much more. Surprising, it is only 6.1 x 3.7 x 1.7 inch and weighs only 1.07 pounds.
GiftTree.com has a “Man Can,” which includes from Plum Island Soap Co. with a Spicy Shave gel, Bay Rum Oil Aftershave, Heavy-Duty Hand Butter, Scrub Soap, and Body Mitt, all in a paint can for a price of $49.95. It also includes a body scrub sponge.
EngravableDesigns.com has a personalized hunting and pocket knife. Each wooden handle is engraved with a special message. Price tag is $14.99.
Just take a moment to remember the outdoorsmen in your life this Christmas.
