From the Braintrust – With each year that goes by, the challenges that we face, the ups and downs, the triumphs, they all provide us with opportunities to grow, reflect, and learn.
2020 has been a heck of a year, unlike any most of have ever seen. The pandemic has changed us, but it hasn’t changed the meaning of Thanksgiving. What does Thanksgiving really mean? Take a look …
What is the Braintrust thankful for?
- Parents that taught the value of hard work, to appreciate what you have, be thankful for your opportunities.
- Coworkers who are supportive, helpful, and caring.
- Teaching in a school and district that values the power of colleagues helping colleagues.
Reader Poll: Thanksgiving Food Go To’s – vote today
The Braintrust is also thankful for the chance to be around sports. So much is to be gained from the world of sports, and I’ve been lucky this past year to be immersed in sports:
- Sportswriting – writing about sports is pretty darn sweet. I get to report on sports, and have met a ton of courteous and thankful athletes, coaches, fans, parents, sports nuts, a long list of people who love sports.
- Interviewing – I am thankful I get to interview some pretty interesting people. Amateur, college, pro athletes, coaches, a group of sports-minded people who are thankful for being asked for an interview.
- Booster Club involvement – I get to work with a Booster Club that gives back to high school athletes and programs. Volunteering is worth it, giving back to the community.
- Athletic worker – It’s pretty darn nice that I can sit at the 50 yard line for football games and announce, sit at the scorer’s table for a basketball game, or sit in the stands taking photographs of games. No Bob Uecker seats here, it’s all front row. Thankful.
- Referring, umpiring – I am thankful I get to referee youth basketball and umpire baseball. Staying active, being around sports, it’s a plus.
Thanksgiving Message Board: What are you thankful for?
Consider the Division 2 State Cross Country Meet hosted by Colby. As one of the parking attendants, we checked fans’ tickets to make sure the crowd size was safe. Parents and fans were appreciative for the chance to attend. Know what else? They were THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for the chance to see state cross country take place.
“Thanks for hosting the meet.” “Thanks for making this possible.” Words that were said time and time again. Those thanks reflect the hard work of Colby teacher and coach Bryon Graun, and the team of workers he assembled in making that meet happen. I am just grateful to have been a part of something tremendous, and thankful.
What else could there possibly be thankful for?
Freedom and family top the list. Blessed to have both.
I’m part of a supportive family, with successful family and a loving wife. Thankful and grateful indeed. Having lost both of my parents several years ago, I’ve been blessed to have a second set of parents that have kind of taken me in.
Thanksgiving also gives all of us time to reflect on what a great country we live in. Not only am I thankful for our freedoms, but I’ve been blessed with opportunities to share in honoring America, by singing our national anthem. No greater feeling than singing that great song at multiple schools and sports, and it never gets old. Thankful.
I’m thankful for all that I can be a part of, grateful for what I have, and forever indebted to everyone that provides me with opportunities for success.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
