Golf classic underway

In the event that regular readers haven't figured this out, I've been gone to Alabama to visit family this week, but by the time you're reading this, I should be back in the safe confines of "The 'Gore," as I've heard a few people call our little community here.

Typically, there's not a lot that happens around here, sports-wise, in the summer. There are some things, though, that jump out at me that I need to touch on...

* All-stars: Tournaments involving Dixie and Kilgore Boys Baseball Associaiton all-star teams, which have been ongoing since June, are still happening. In fact, there are a couple of Dixie tournaments this coming week: one in Paris and one at Driller Park. Not to toot our own horns, but I think we've done a fairly good job of covering the all-star teams this year, and I hope that continues this week. Good luck, by the way, to everyone still playing, and I hope you win

* The Meadowbrook Classic: Another event upcoming this weekend -- as a matter of fact, they're probably playing right now as you're reading this, is the annual Meadowbrook Classic, the biggest tournament of the year for the Meadowbrook Country Club. In case anyone reading isn't familiar with it and would like to come out, the tournament features some of the best golfers in East Texas, guys who can step onto any course in this area and compete with anyone. It almost always comes down to the last few shots.

This will be my ninth classic, and it's always one of my favorite events to watch. The gallery that follows the leaders on the final few holes is one of the best spectacles in local sports every year, and there's always a huge crowd waiting after the final hole to see the trophy presentations. I understand MCC pro David Cline and committee are happy with the field again this year, and I'm anxious to see some very good golf. If you'd like to, as well, then they're playing all day today, and all day Sunday, with the trophy presentation around 6 p.m. or so. Like I say every year, if golf is your thing and you've never been out and ridden on a cart to follow the action of the final few holes, you really are missing out.

* The Pump Jacks: Last year at this time, I think the East Texas Pump Jacks got things going down the stretch and gave the fans a good show in the franchise's first year. This year, I honestly think these kids have what it takes to win the Texas Collegiate League championship. Whjile not leading the TCL at the moment, they have played some very good baseball.

There are some players on this second-year Pump Jacks team that I think have a great shot of playing this sport for a long time. Guys like Matt Juengel, Brett Nicholas, Russell LaFleur, Greg Fontenot, and a host of others have made this season an entertaining one for us, and just goes to show you the "sophomore jinx" isn't always bound to happen.

By the way, here's a legit "good job" to Pump Jacks General Manager Mike Lieberman and his staff for what I think has been a great season, not just on the field.

* Football will be back before we know it: Kilgore High School's football program is preparing for its 78th year of play, and Kilgore College its 75th. I'm looking forward to covering both, as well as watching the continuing development of up-andcoming programs like West Rusk and Leverett's Chapel, what should be a fun and interesting 2009 season at Overton High School, and the ongoing improvements at Sabine under second-year coach Jerry Baker.

One thing I'm looking forward to this year, actually, is "Game Time Weekly." That's my mid-week football preview section, and this year, not to give anything away, but we have some big, and I mean BIG, changes in store. I think it will all be for the better.

I hope everyone has an outstanding summer. Read our coverage of the Meadowbrook Classic online at kilgorenewsherald. com and in the paper this week, and everyone get ready for what we hope will be an exciting football season.

God bless.