25 of Blacksburg High School's best football players

Last week at halftime of the Blacksburg High School's game versus Woodruff, the 2015 Hall Of Fame class was announced. This included all BHS sports of course. The most notable to many in this area is football though. Four of the six nominees did play football in Blacksburg, SC at some point. Cherokee County is a football county, as Gaffney, SC takes football as seriously as a small town high school can.

That being said, I believe the inductees (current and past) are deserving. Two are former teammates of mine. However, the big debate is why certain players haven't gotten in yet. It does mirror the NFL Hall of Fame, as some players get in early, while others seemingly wait decades, and may not live to see their enshrinement.

Finally, I have compiled my own top 25, which was difficult. I may later expand this to a top 50.

1. Doug Bolin

2. Mike Smith

3-25 (in no particular order)

Danny Fulton

Chris Dawkins

Shon Dawkins

Marcus Davis

 Mickey Moss

 Tony West

 Fred Parker

Randy Patterson

Randy Huskey

 Marcus King

Terrence "TO" Camp

Timmy Camp

Darrell Burris

Kenneth Blackstone

 Blake Hope

 Mark Striewing

Stanley "Dunnie" Watts II

Lamont Sutton

Anthony Garrison

 Joe Patterson

 Nesbitt "Banky" Black

Joey Moore

Daniel Farris

Other notables: JR Martin, JP Martin, Billy Costner, Butch McAbee, Roland "Shine" Camp, Mark Dawkins

There have been many greats come through Blacksburg High School.  Imagine them being on one team.

OK, who else should be on this list? Who honestly has no business being mentioned?

A House Divided: Dating Someone Who Roots For a Different Sports Team

Now the most popular sport is back in full swing: football. The rivalries can spawn friends, coworkers and relatives not speaking for months.

What about significant others though?

It is interesting what I have heard and seen over the past few years. Many people won't even consider dating you if you root for a team they dislike or "the enemy."

OK now let's get something straight. I understand everyone has their preferences and standards, and they should. I'm as big of a sports fan as you will find, especially football. I write this post as I also watch two college football games simultaneously.

However, we must realize the key word here: game. It is important to fans and players but if you're in love with another person and you have other similarities, why can't you make it work? And you wonder why you're single.

It seems to be our generation is almost finding reasons either to be in a relationship or to stay single. Once again, if you want to be in a relationship with a certain person, be willing and able to put other barriers and obstacles aside. Many divided households make it work.

It's similar to men hating shopping, soap operas, and spas, or women not caring about sports, beer, or action movies. There will always be differences to work through. Just because you two will eventually become one doesn't mean you need to be exactly alike. We were created to be unique and have our own minds also.

Therefore, we should develop an attitude of gratitude, confidence and understanding. This can be challenging but you will not grow as a human being. Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn't always bad. Just find enough common ground to maintain chemistry.

Are you currently in a "house divided" situation? Would you date someone that roots for the enemy in your sport?

Basic Lawncare Tips Part One: Pushmower Maintenance

Now that Spring has sprung, it is lawnmowing season once again. This will go on until early Fall. I am set to learn from my past mistakes and even pass on lessons I have learned along the way.

I will be focusing on caring for your push mower, if you utilize one. My hope is I can help those that don't already know, and refresh those that haven't performed this in a while.

1. Make a basic checklist on what to have handy.

This includes fresh gasoline, 30W oil, a funnel, a gas container, two hand towels (one for sweat and one for wiping excess fluids), drain pans,and adequate storage space to protect your mower from rain. One should already have most or all of these items. However, folks will surprise you.

2. Change your oil and gasoline at the beginning of the season, and regularly.

Gasoline isn't usually good after 30 days so only buy what you will use in this timeframe. Also, change your oil and filter (if applicable) about every couple of months. Finally, use your drain pans for flammable liquids such as gas and oil. It is best not to just pour these into the ground, even if you are burning leaves or other waste.

3. Have a couple of repair folks handy.

Keep at least three people on standby who will be reasonably priced and keep your mower functional. I was blessed last season with my primary repairman. He kept my mower mowing, worked with me on expenses, and gave me wonderful tips, many of which I am sharing.

4. Do not overfill the gas or the oil tank.

This especially applies with the oil tank. You can flood the carburetor. Use a funnel and safely pour the proper amount into the tank, after you safely drain it all.

5. Ensure you have the proper mower.

You can go cheap, but remember all mowers are not make equal. Some are best for being glorified weed eaters, while others are better for bigger yards and longer grass.  Do your research and don't buy a mower just because it's the cheapest. Know the type that best suits your cutting needs.

6. Mow regularly, and have someone to assist you.

You don't wanna go more than two weeks, preferably a week, without cutting your grass. Between weather and a busy schedule, this can be a challenge. Therefore, in a pinch, have a good neighbor or a young person wanting to make a few extra bucks waiting in the wings for these tight times.

7. Keep all receipts and warranty records.
Most stores give you an automatic two year warranty. Anything can happen so store all important paperwork safely so you can get to it hassle free.

8. Clean your mower at least once/month

This includes even the tanks, and underneath. That dead grass can build up and a clean motor typically works better. You can set aside one day per month for all of your lawn maintenance.

9. Be proactive regarding any issue.

Grass doesn't stop growing for months, so time is of the essence. Stay on top of your maintenance, cutting and any problems that may arise.

10. Get to cutting!

By now you should have at least one cutting under your belt, depending upon your mower and climate. The grass really starts getting thicker as May approaches so don't waste time.

I hope I have at least helped refresh someone on basic lawncare. Look for more posts of this nature as I continue to learn and grow myself.

How is your push mower acting? Are there any other tips that aren't so obvious that you would add?

WU Homecoming: How It Has Evolved Over The Past Two Decades

Another homecoming just wrapped up at Winthrop University this past weekend. It appeared to again be a successful one. I know I had loads of fun, and was much more tired than I originally thought I would be.

20 years ago, this may have not been the case at all.

I wrote a piece four years ago as Winthrop's Homecoming was just starting to change and mature, mostly because of the student body and alums stepping in. Now it has become arguably the most unsung college homecoming in the Carolinas. Back in the mid 90s, I didn't think I would be saying this.

During that era, it was literally all about the game and the NPHC step show and that was it. Most of the parties were catered for the students only. Also, festivities took place in February, not uncommon for a medium size, liberal arts college without a football team.

In 2009, the university decided to move festivities to the Fall. Slowly mixers and socials became less frequent and there were more activities to cross over for students and alums alike.

This year alone, 2014, could be the year that Homecoming has turned the corner and taken that next step. Over the years, the pre game tailgate has become the most popular event and grows yearly, attracting more and more student organizations and alums. Even the unusually cold weather didn't thin the crowd as people still came in droves.

A pre Homecoming talent show was added a few years ago. The on campus Homecoming party on Friday night has become a staple. This year, it was a Mardi Gras celebration preceded by a stand up comedy performance by comedian/actor Brandon T. Jackson. At least seven off campus parties were held between Thursday and Saturday. It appears the game and the step show are no longer the main attractions. Nevertheless, homecoming is finally fun for all ages and demographics. It's all about recapturing the social experience and showing the alums how welcome they are.

It feels great to return every year. The energy level is high wherever a group of WU alums are gathering and for those few days, everyone is back at school again. The worries of the everyday world are put on hold until Sunday. And as with most events, social media and smart phones have enhanced the experience. One can keep up with classmates year round and view pictures and updates from the festivities. Indeed the WU has come a long long way since 1996.

Now let's just see what happens when Winthrop finally gets a football team.

Do you normally attend Winthrop's homecoming events? Did you attend this year? What do you most enjoy about Homecoming?

Why I Like Fall So Much

I have written and spoken on why I like Fall so much. It is hands down my favorite season. There are many reasons why and I will give a few.

1. The leaves of course.

It's always beautiful to see the leaves changing, especially where I live. There are all sorts of colors and it simply looks festive and refreshing.

2. Football is back

I wrote an entire piece simply dedicated to football a couple of years ago. It is America's sport, an awesome one, and best watched and played during this season. Like Fall, football never seems to last long enough.

3. The county fair.

This is another separate topic that I recently wrote about. The fair always comes to my area just as Fall begins and I associate one with the other. The weather is just getting cooler as the fair rolls through. And speaking of weather,...

4. The weather.

During the Fall, it's a nice balance of weather. There is usually not too much rain or snow, and is simply comfortable outside and in. Summer is often too hot, winter is often too cold, and spring is too sporadic. Fall is the weather equalizer.

5. Fall holidays.

Some of my favorite holidays occur in the Fall, especially Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween is great simply for the candy, parties and dressing up. Thanksgiving is the ultimate cheat day from any clean eating regimen and it is great for socializing with family and friends. All of this embodies the Fall spirit.

6. College homecomings

They seem to be exciting, even if you didn't attend that college. The HBCU homecomings are especially fun and have set the standard over the years for Homecoming. It is also another good time for reuniting.

7. Christmas is around the corner

Love or hate the winter holiday season, one must admit this is when people are often in the happiest of moods. They are leaving all other worries behind, and are focusing on humankind, as we should do year round.

What are some of the things you enjoy about Fall? Is it one of your favorite seasons?

This Year's Lawnmowing Season Didn't Cut It For Me

This year was my second full season of cutting grass for my mother, who can no longer do so on a pushmower following her ankle injury early last year. In 2013, the biggest problem I had was the constant rain, and often having to mow the lawn twice/week and even on into it got dark.

I had many more problems this year. I had counted on my mom to get the riding mower fixed. But her mechanic went MIA so around April I simply got gas and oil and began cutting her grass on a bi-weekly basis with the pushmower, weekly when my schedule allowed. And just so you all know, my mother has a huge yard, like half an acre, front yard and back. Cutting her grass, especially with a push mower, is almost like mowing a football or baseball field.

Everything seemed to proceed well until about the end of June when the lawnmower started stopping and stalling. I then put more oil into the mower and make two huge rookie mistakes: not draining the old oil and flooding the carbeuator with excess new oil. Therefore, the lawnmower continued to stall and such every five minutes. I kept having to recrank it by pulling the shaft towards me. Around the 4th of July, I threw out my shoulder and was hampered for a month. I eventually went to the chiropractor and got readjusted.

I then told Mom that I would not cut anymore grass until one or both of those mowers were fixed. We had a couple of people that were generous enough to cut the grass in the meantime. Mom still had no success finding an affordable mechanic. I then sought the assistance of my cousin's boyfriend in Clover who is a jack of all trades and he was affordable.

After he dealt with it on two occasions, once in a drizzle, he fixed it for us and we were so thankful. He took apart the mower and completely cleaned it, had me replace the spark plug and told me what else I needed to do moving forward. I could not allow the grass to get too long due to how sensitive the mower had become, or even wet. I would have to keep a check on the oil and keep fresh oil in there and keep it clean and drained. I would also have to baby and mow with care, not jerk or angle the lawnmower too often. All of his advice paid off and I had a working mower for the rest of the season.

Then Mother Nature interfered.

Fire ants ran rampant near the end of summer. Up to eight hills had surfaced. We had to buy fire ant killer and eventually made our own when all the stores had sold out. Around the beginning of October in the South, the leaves fall more often and the ground starts getting colder. Typically only one more cutting is required at that time. This year I had gotten a touch of the flu the first weekend of October. Last weekend it rained the entire time. During this time, it had also gotten warmer and we even had tornado watches, which made more of the grass grow up again. This past Thursday, despite having to go out and buy more gas and oil, I FINALLY got around to cutting the grass. Hopefully this will be it until next Spring.

I am currently taking all measures to improve the next lawn mowing season. First of all, the riding mower must be fixed. My mother's yard never was meant to be cut with a pushmower. Also, I want to keep the pushmower functional.

Did you have a lot of trouble with your lawn this season or last? Have you gotten in your final cutting of the year yet?

Internet Marketing Tips Part One

We're near the end of yet another calendar year. The weather is cooling down, the grass is dying and the leaves are changing. There are still plenty of Fall festivals, Halloween parties, and later on Christmas parties to be had.

Now how do you expect to get the word out in this digital age?

Over the past few weeks, I have been posting marketing tips that have proved successful for me on the web and on social media. I will share these now.

1. Utilize every outlet and medium appropriate for the occasion.

Social media is basically a must in this era. Facebook, Instagram, and even Evites are what's in. Good old fashioned mass texting and messaging is also good. You want to get the word out and stay in people's ears. These are some of your better mediums for accomplishing this.

2. Include all pertinent information.

This includes the date, time, location, what the event entails, dress code (if any), whether or not to bring a gift, contact info, admission price, and even directions to the venue.

3. Use a picture of the event promo/flyer as your picture on social media.

This is one of the best ways to stay in people's faces. They know all the details regarding the event the minute they see you on Facebook, Instagram, etc.

4. Post frequently about the event, but remember all of your updates may not be seen.

This includes even if you're posting in a group or within an event invite. Some stuff gets missed so post away, but remember that there is not a 100% guarantee that everyone will see your posts.

5. Tag folks to certain posts and pics.

This way, the audience you are reaching is sure to see it. It is almost as effective as an event invite. Even if the person chooses to turn the tag off in their privacy, they will still see the post.

6. Strike a medium within your medium

You do not want to be the annoying promoter that is flooding everyone's timelines with your events. So post on certain days, mix up your times and types of posts, and use moderation. In short, do not make others tired of your event before it arrives, even if it's the event of the year.

7. Do your heavy marketing during peak social media hours.

This is usually primetime, after 7pm on Sundays-Thursdays, and even heavier during a big television show or sporting event that everyone is talking about. You know they are on, so your posts will have higher visibility. Also, the tagging feature works to the max here.

8. Advertise no later than 1-2 weeks prior to an event, and even a month in advance.

You must give people time to plan and schedule. Therefore, don't call anyone late for a meal. Promote early and often.

9. Require RSVPs so you can get some sort of a headcount.

This works the best when food is involved. One needs to be able to plan for the crowd they are entertaining.

10. Be creative, catchy and clever

Go outside of the box and use clever headlines and posts. Use pop cultural and news references. This goes for the name of your event also.  For example, my family reunion is always held on the second Saturday in September. Therefore, I may frequently say SSS Dover/Bradley and friends. I also like to utilize the song in my promos "See You In September" by The Happenings. The key here is to catch and capture their attention.

Well this is all for now, happy promoting!

Do you have any marketing tips you care to share? Have any of these worked better than others?

The Local Fair: Always Good Food, Folks and Fun

Many of you already know Fall is my favorite of all of the four seasons. There are many reasons for this. The leaves are changing, football is back, the weather is comfortable and not unbearably cold.

Last but not least, the fair is in my area!

I grew up on the county fair. My mom took me and my brother every year. We would ride every ride we could, eat all sorts of unhealthy snacks, and even play those crooked games. I was especially good at the dart games.

Now as an adult, I still enjoy the fair but mostly for the unhealthy foods and nostalgia. The fairs now have so much more variety: fried everything (Oreos, candy bars, Twinkies), turkey legs, funnel cakes, Krispy Kreme burgers, and the classics such as candy apples, cotton candy and giant sausages. It is all good to me!

Near me, the more popular fairs are the Cleveland County Fair in Shelby, NC, the Piedmont Interstate Fair in Spartanburg, SC, and the granddaddy of them all, the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, SC. Due to safety and proximity, I attend the Cleveland County Fair. It is located on the campus of Cleveland Community College, only a 20 minute drive from my home. Also it's free to park if you arrive early enough and park on the campus. Plus it's the fair I grew up going to. Can't wait to go this year!

Do you enjoy going to the fair? What is your favorite ride, snack, and/or game?

Never Can Say Good-Bye: Five Ways To Do This

This is the season for send-offs, goodbyes and farewells. Students everywhere are returning to school, some for the first time as they are now off at college. We are also bidding adieu to another summer season and welcoming the fall season. These are indeed tough and bittersweet endings.

Would you like to make these easier? Here are a few ways.

1. Take lots of pictures and look at them about once or twice/week.

We are in a photo and video taking and making era. Therefore, capture as many of these moments as possible for keepsake and nostalgic purposes.

2. Stay in touch but give some distance.

Cell phones and social media make it easier to keep in touch with someone that has moved away. However allow them to properly adjust and don't hold on to them too tightly. Basically talk to them about two-three times per week, not everyday. Absence can truly make the heart grow fonder and the adjustment smoother.

3. Have a farewell bash/dinner.

This can apply to even the end of summer. You see plenty of Labor Day weekend parties and such, signifiying the end of summer. Also, these shindigs are appropriate for your loved ones as well. You are showing them how much they mean to you, and you are happy about the next chapter of their lives.

4. Plan to get together at least twice/year.
You want to keep the friendship and relationship going. Therefore you and your friends/family should make it a priority to get together at least twice/year to stay connected and reminisce.

5.  Live, laugh, love and continue to make new connections.

Certain people and times are irreplaceable. However, continue to make your own fun by meeting others, expanding your circle and enjoying life. Pause things for a minute, but don't press the stop button on your life. It is precious and must continue despite not having someone special around so much.

What are some ways that you cope with someone leaving you? What are some tips that you use for saying farewell or goodbye?