Columns

Sept. 11: The Kaufman County Democrats meet at 10 a.m. at 114 N. Adelaide St. They meet the second Saturday of the month; Call Sarah Whitaker at 214-354-7338 or email kcdems@gmail.com if you have any questions.

I am an observer of humans and human nature. I have long found people fascinating and in the past, one of my favorite places to watch people was at a horse racing track, where betting was allowed. Throughout the course of the day, one can observe elation, desperation, anxiety, apprehension, resignation and occasionally, satisfaction. That is because a day at the racetrack involves money, winning and losing.

As many expected, boosters are getting involved in helping athletes. Now, with the NCAA rule on allowing NIL for student-athletes, one booster helped 36 walk-on football players with their tuition at BYU. Is this a breakthrough for college athletics or a way to attract more scholarship worthy athletes?

The world opened up a little this summer to host the Olympic games. An event, no matter our political thoughts, that brings the world together in competition. The summer Olympics recently ended, and the 2020 Paralympic games will begin next week and will remind the world of those who compete showing great ability to overcome, like Terrell’s own Randy Snow.

The NCAA is allowing student-athletes to profit off endorsements. College players can now receive financial benefits from the use of their name, likeness, and image. The NCAA calls this the NLI. Will this be a way recruiters lure high school players to their college in the future? Although a high school player cannot receive money for their name, likeness, and image; if the player graduates early and enrolls in college, then as college students they become eligible for the NLI.

How do coaches build powerful sport programs? They know exactly what they desire to have in the program. They know what it should look like. They have definite ideas of the expectations they want from their assistant coaches and players. But how do they convey these ideas and ensure the program grows to the blueprint they have constructed?

We are seeing a reoccurring surge in COVID-19 cases, with the Delta variant rearing its ugly head and getting people sick. I don’t want to get into the political discussions; that’s not our purpose as an economic development organization. Instead, I want to talk about the benefits of keeping Terrell healthy.

Over the last few years, there are no more two-a-day practices allowed. Experts believe players die from heat exposure. What many people do not realize there is a need to practice in the heat because they play in the heat. Experts understand this but limit the number of practices because some coaches do not properly acclimate their players to the heat.

Ethan Shaw and Rheann Shaw, both of Terrell, are the newest junior members of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Aug. 7: Terrell Artisan Fair.