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This week’s thoughts from the Sports Editor Desk may not have as much to do with sports as just taking the time to take a deep breath and count the many blessings that I feel that has been imparted on me throughout this year.

Many may have a hard time in doing that with how COVID has impacted so many things in our lives from our jobs to our families and beyond.

However, with this being the Wednesday issue the day before Thanksgiving, I hope that you will indulge me for just a few minutes as I put a few keystrokes together as I share my heart with our readers.

First, I am thankful most importantly that God loves me and has made me one of his children! That in itself is enough to be thankful for and I probably could stop writing right there. Enough said!

However, I am also thankful for my family that I have been blessed with including my wife Cathy, my children Jessica and Michael and their spouses Jason and Alisha, and my grandkids Cora, Kovi, Logan, and Zoey.

I also have a second family in my work family. Delaney Scalf who is not only my general manager but my Christian brother who gave me this opportunity to be a part of my community by working for the Elizabethton Star.

Thanks also go out to those who help in making my job much easier: Robin Johnson, Danny Blevins, Allen LaMountain, Nic Miller, Austin Alexander, Larry Souders, Dawn Lambert, Cara McCloud, Brandon Hyde, Jeff Vonglis, and CY Peters.

It takes many talents to do the job right.

And I would be amiss without thanking all the coaches and players in Carter County who so generously are available to answer questions and provide interviews which make the stories so much more richer.

Lastly, thank you to all the readers who turn to the Star Sports section in each addition to get the best coverage anywhere in local sports. There would be no Star without you guys.

We try our best to provide each school and each athlete as much coverage as possible and sometimes that is not easy but we take pride in what we do.

Your words of kindness bragging on our sports section is absolutely heart touching and especially when you come up when you see us at events we are covering and say ‘Thank You’ for that article or ‘Great Job’ on our special sections.

That means the world to us!

In closing, I pray that each and everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Remember to do what is right for your families to stay safe from COVID and always be thankful for each and every one.

No one knows who may or may not be with us the next time around and we know that firsthand as our brother-in-law, Mark Weddle, who celebrated with us last Thanksgiving, is celebrating his first Thanksgiving in Heaven this year unexpectedly.

It doesn’t take much to say I love you and offer a hug if possible and be thankful for another day together!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

Sincerely,
Ivan Sanders and the Elizabethton Star Sports Team