Back in the summer of 1991, back when my shoe size and my dress size were the same number, I attended my very first Louisiana Sports Writers Association convention. It was in Baton Rouge, at the Holiday Inn.
Poorer than I am now, I stayed at my sister's house. But I went to the events. In a foreshadowing of what was to come, we had a casino night, with fake tables and fake money. It was a lot more fun, I gotta say.
Back then, I was the young, shy, green newcomer that nobody knew. I stuck close to Ted and Bummer and Ron, the only people I really knew, and J.J. and Hilburn, whom I had just met. And I even won a little award -- a third place for prep event.
I just came back from my 17th LSWA convention -- in Baton Rouge. Now, I know most of the people there -- but it's hard sometimes with all of the turnover in our business. And I attended all of the events -- the welcome dinner at LSU, the casino buffet dinner (but we skipped the gaming) and the awards banquet. I even won a little award -- third place in Prep Writer of the Year. (I like it when I don't leave empty handed).
But even better, I got to sit at the head table, the one reserved for officers. I am the current reigning secretary of the LSWA. And that third place means more to me than the other.
By the timelines that were laid out this week, I could be the president of the association in three years -- just about the time that the 50-year dream of an actual Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame comes true. The concept is difficult to grasp. I can't imagine myself cutting that ribbon. I can't imagine myself on that stage, giving that speech, handing out those plaques to Louisiana sports greats.
OK. Yes I can. I can't wait, to tell the truth. (But I have started the diet .....)
But it may be difficult for some other people to imagine. A woman will open the Hall of Fame. This woman will.
After the birth of my daughter, my wedding, and my two Prep Writer of the Year wins, this could be one of the defining moments of my life. It might even move up to third.
