Well gang:
Before I embark on my long-awaited first trip outside of North America, I want to give a quick congratulations to both the Kingston and Coleman Catholic girls basketball teams, who will be playing in this weekend's state tournament.
I had the fun of covering both teams winning their regional finals to earn the right to play in the final four.
The utter joy on the faces of the Coleman players with the realization these players earned their first final four berth with a win over Shelter Island was matched by the utter relief on the faces of the Kingston players who realized they earned their second straight final four berth after winning a game against Horseheads that they -- in the words of their own coach -- had no business winning.
Watching those two games made me realize why I love covering local sports as much as I do. Many times, professional athletes take making the playoffs or playing for a championship, as their God-given right.
Teenage kids -- boys or girls -- don't take that for granted.
That probably explains why Coleman senior Kiery Albrecht looked as though she was ready to celebrate with every fan who made the trip to Long Island or the exhausted, emotional look on the face of Kingston senior Amanda Horvers after the Tigers won in the closing seconds in a contest where Horvers would be the first to admit she didn't bring her 'A' game.
That's just fun stuff to cover.
So good luck this weekend and remember to enjoy the moment.
Until next time, take care and God bless.