The one thing every student athlete develops is an unbreakable bond. It doesn’t matter if it’s a teammate or opponent. Throughout the years that bond becomes unbreakable. Similar to soldiers sharing a foxhole, student-athletes at every level will undergo certain situations and experiences that will live with them forever.

To this day, I can call up a friend and classmate that began the third grade with me, go down memory lane and share laughs. Not only do you share laughs but also support.

As former Oklahoma Sooner Rusty Griffis once told me, “My teammates and I are close in friendship and business. The University of Oklahoma is not only a fantastic university but it’s a family that takes care of its members.”

It’s the same in high school. Especially in McIntosh County, home of a 110-year rival between the Eufaula Ironheads and Checotah Wildcats. Trust me, being from Eufaula and covering Checotah has brought me many funny conversations with guys I played against. But those games are what build that bond. It’s special and should be encouraged.

1-2-3 break.

Sports Editor