I had the pleasure of attending the Liberty County Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet on Dec. 13 and watch five deserving gentlemen be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was a grand affair, beautifully catered by Club Stewart and an evening filled with laughter as well as humility and modesty.
The guest speaker, Keith Colson, a former Bradwell Institute and University of South Carolina football player, gave a humorous and heartfelt speech on the lessons athletes learn - lessons later translated into life skills beyond the athletic field.
The lesson I learned was that these five inductees are now part of a legacy that exemplifies a long history of strong family values, education determination, perseverance and deep roots in the creation of Liberty County’s athletic past.
I also learned Liberty County has successfully nurtured the athletic talents of many previous generations and is producing a new class of athletes that not only excel in their sport but academically as well.
Congratulations Raymond Roberts-Blake. I’m sure that regardless of where you are and what you are doing your grandmother is still cheering you on. Her seat from Heaven is in the front row.
Well done, coach Tom Sukaratana. You brought soccer to the forefront in Liberty County and continue to amaze us with your generosity and ability toward the kids on your team. It’s my turn, let me cook something for you.
Thank you John Long for pioneering and being a part of the creation of what we know as the Liberty County Recreation Department today. That was back in 1968 and I’m sure you can see just how important your contribution to sports within our county is today.
Hail to you William Boyd for persevering when many thought your height might keep you from your goal to play football in college. You displayed tenacity as a walk on in Tampa and earned a scholarship becoming the second person from Bradwell to do so. You also proved the stature does not matter by taking the high hurdles at state, a feat your brother still wonders how it was accomplished.
Way to go Quinton Lewis for breaking out of the mold and attending the University of South Carolina. You were a part of the glorious season of 1984 when the Gamecocks only had one loss.
All of you are richly deserving of the honor that was bestowed upon you, and I hope the memories you shared with us that night are carried on. There are many aspiring young athletes in Liberty County who would do well to hear the road you took so they may follow your lead.
The guest speaker, Keith Colson, a former Bradwell Institute and University of South Carolina football player, gave a humorous and heartfelt speech on the lessons athletes learn - lessons later translated into life skills beyond the athletic field.
The lesson I learned was that these five inductees are now part of a legacy that exemplifies a long history of strong family values, education determination, perseverance and deep roots in the creation of Liberty County’s athletic past.
I also learned Liberty County has successfully nurtured the athletic talents of many previous generations and is producing a new class of athletes that not only excel in their sport but academically as well.
Congratulations Raymond Roberts-Blake. I’m sure that regardless of where you are and what you are doing your grandmother is still cheering you on. Her seat from Heaven is in the front row.
Well done, coach Tom Sukaratana. You brought soccer to the forefront in Liberty County and continue to amaze us with your generosity and ability toward the kids on your team. It’s my turn, let me cook something for you.
Thank you John Long for pioneering and being a part of the creation of what we know as the Liberty County Recreation Department today. That was back in 1968 and I’m sure you can see just how important your contribution to sports within our county is today.
Hail to you William Boyd for persevering when many thought your height might keep you from your goal to play football in college. You displayed tenacity as a walk on in Tampa and earned a scholarship becoming the second person from Bradwell to do so. You also proved the stature does not matter by taking the high hurdles at state, a feat your brother still wonders how it was accomplished.
Way to go Quinton Lewis for breaking out of the mold and attending the University of South Carolina. You were a part of the glorious season of 1984 when the Gamecocks only had one loss.
All of you are richly deserving of the honor that was bestowed upon you, and I hope the memories you shared with us that night are carried on. There are many aspiring young athletes in Liberty County who would do well to hear the road you took so they may follow your lead.