Smaller 'big ' moments have importance, too

I remember it vividly.

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Making that save to clinch the shootout triumph that helped my team advance to the next round of the playoffs. My soccer teammates crowded around me, and we were ecstatic.

I was 10. It wasn't the high school state playoffs. For that matter, it wasn't even middle school soccer. But it was my moment -- me and the rest of the rec league Gladiators.

Don't get me wrong -- I look forward to chronicling feats of much greater significance here at The Columbia County News-Times . The opportunity is there, thanks to a county sports scene that has seen championships won at all different levels. There is a proud tradition of excellence here.

Being there to write about athletics at the pinnacle of achievement is something I have had the opportunity to do. During my time as a student journalist at Augusta State University, I covered former Jaguars golfer Vaughn Taylor's first Masters Tournament from inside the press building at Augusta National Golf Club in 2006. I also went along for the ride during Augusta State men's basketball's run to the national championship game in 2008.

Those big moments are special, but part of me lives for the smaller "big" moments.

The T-ball victories, the amazing golf shot that almost won that tournament, or the basketball shot heard "round the ... gym." They are all notable for the accomplishment involved, even if they weren't achieved by world-class competitors.

Memorable moments happen on a variety of playing fields, not just football, basketball, soccer and baseball stadiums. Thus, I plan on bringing in a variety of sports into the coverage at The News-Times .

Athletes come in all shapes, sizes and ages. The most important thing to remember is that they are all athletes. And they all have a story to tell.