Inside Preps: Counting The Many Things for Thanks

Wed. November 21, 2012 at 11:10 p.m. | By Solange Reyner

SOLANGE REYNER

There's plenty to appreciate and be thankful for today, like family in town or a parent who doesn't burn the turkey.

I'm happy I get a day to be a pig.

Here's a list of some things local coaches, athletic directors, athletes and fans in Polk County are gracious for.

"First of all, my family. I'm also thankful to have good health, a good job, a good football team and for the fact that my 89-year-old mother has the ability to tweet after my games." — Ridge Community football coach Richard Tate, whose Bolts play in a Class 7A regional semifinal Friday night.

"I'm thankful for my family being able to come down from Gainesville and spend time with us this year." — Victory Christian defensive tackle Chris Nelson, a junior who has committed to play football for Virginia.

"I'm thankful for new beginnings even though a whopping three kids decided to show up at practice tonight." — Kathleen wrestling coach Bing Osborn, who held the same position at Mulberry last year.

"I have a lot of things to be thankful for: health, my family and having a lot of friends. I'm thankful in this economy that I have a job, too." — Lee Brunson, father of Chandler Brunson, former football player in Polk County who is playing at Adrian College in Michigan.

"High school sports and coaches that are willing to invest in the lives of young men and women." — Ben Derrick, a Fort Meade resident who is currently in college and who wants to coach, too, when he finishes school.

"I'm thankful for having another year to help kids get better. I'm in basketball mode right now and these kids have had a good couple of days of solid practice." — Greg Abrams, the junior varsity boys basketball coach at Kathleen and father of cornerback Greg Abrams.

"I'm thankful for the two championship rings I've won. Now I want some more." – Johnnie Lawson, Winter Haven girls' basketball coach who was an assistant under LeDawn Gibson when the Blue Devils won titles in 2005 and 2007 .

"I am thankful that I've got two healthy daughters who can kick ass. They both drive me nuts but they're good students and they stay out of trouble. My wife rounds up the group — I've got the perfect trifecta." — Brian Germain, father of Polk athletes Katie Germain and Kelly Germain. Katie won the ASICS Junior women's national high school freestyle championship in the in wrestling this summer and Kelly is a sophomore who starts on Lakeland's volleyball squad.

"I'm thankful it's wrestling season so we can watch Lake Gibson win a state championship." — Vincent Parker, Auburndale's wrestling coach.

"For my good health, my beautiful children and wife, and an awesome sports writer who covers high schools in this county so well." — George Jenkins' athletic director Jestin Bailey.

Those nice words won't get you extra coverage, Bailey, but nice try.

Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving.

I'll be in Ocala with some friends, most likely being a fatty.