Community

  For a team with a lot of LCA guys on it, Big Island Post 217 didn't show a lot of love to the crew from Christiansburg. Big Island got its American Legion season off to a roar.  That roaring noise came from the bats of the 217ers.  Four homers were smacked, as Quentin Palmer (twice), Cameron Byrd and Hunter Johnson each tapped a tater. Keyton Elliot had a pair of doubles and single, while Gavin Porpora had a pair of hits and a couple of RBIs.

  Lori Mattson's life just got a bit more hectic. Already hunting for new head coaches for the Liberty boys' basketball and softball teams, Mattson, the Liberty athletic director, now has to expand her search to include finding a new skipper for the Minutemen baseball program. Mike Thompson has announced his resignation, effective at the end of this season, after leading the varsity for the past three seasons.  Prior to taking over the program, Thompson had served as JV coach and as an assistant to his predecessor, Stuart Grant.

  Could the City of Big Shoulders also be the place for the Big Bird? Liberty High School graduate and Marshall University senior Brandon Sparrow has earned a shot at the next level. The defensive tackle has been invited to a tryout with the Chicago Bears. In his final season at Marshall, Sparrow had 21 unassisted tackles, while assisting on another 19. He also recovered a pair of fumbles and had 1.5 quarterback sacks.

  See the above photo?  It defines both fun and commitment. It is a shot taken following this year's Bedford Outdoor Sportsmen Association's  (BOSA) Gunnin' for Gobblers, which took place recently. This program is a spring turkey hunt which is dedicated to providing people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities. It is also a way to educate able-bodied individuals on how they can help a disabled friend or family member enjoy being in the outdoors once again.