A Week Later

We have all had a chance to really let the State championship sink in, and here are just a few thoughts and reflections.

1. I like walking in and asking for a media pass that lets me walk all the way out on the North Carolina outline on the floor. Then it has my name on the pass.

2. I really like bringing the teams out and taking a team picture before the game. Everyone still thinks they can win, after the game not much for taking pictures if I was on the losing end.

3. I like one teams color guard presenting the colors and the other singing the National Anthem.

4. Sitting on the sidelines of any big arena like the Dean Dome is a completely different game from being in the stands.

5. I like giving the referees a plaque. It is an honor for them just like the teams playing. Every game, refs make weird calls but I don't think either side could complain about the officials in this one.

6. The supporters for the Gryphons were not all Rocky Mount High folks. You know you can fight with your brother but when someone else fights him, you are going to be on his side. There were a lot of Nash County folks there pulling for Rocky Mount regardless of the school loyalty.

7. Mike Gainey said he got a tear when he was able to put T J Walker in the game. Didn't we all.

8. I like the NCHSAA official who put every one's gold metal around each winning member personally, regardless of whether it was a player, coach or manager.

9. The walk down the hill to the parking lot was easier than the walk up to the Dean Dome.

10. Loved honking our horn when we passed the cheer leaders on the way home.

11. The line of red tail lights on 64 coming home, just like in the movie "Hoosiers".

12. Got a thrill seeing the Rocky Mount Police Department waiting for the team at the Nash CC on ramp. Escorting them home as CHAMPS.

13. Cutting the nets down in Rocky Mount.

14. "Sleepless In Rocky Mount" on a Saturday night during daylight savings time.

15. Being with the team Sunday night on TV.

16. The feeling that I still have a week later.