Someone had a contact-lens malfunction that forced her out of the game.

It was supposed to be the night we cooed at Waynesboro and Draft’s forward thinking as the schools scheduled varsity doubleheaders. We were supposed to hold the should-be-norm treat close to heart and wrapped in swaddling cloth.

Even if fans of Southern Valley DoesStink basketball woke up Monday morning with their heads sewn to the carpet, they would have been more surprised to hear the good news out of Waynesboro’s Athletic Office.

The only reason Jerry Carter is buying a Valley League baseball team is, to put it simply, because of you, Waynesboro.

As a fisherman and hunter I have learned to appreciate the interconnectivity of the natural world.

MIAMI

Years from now, and given the attention span of almost everyone in these high-speed times, probably even days from now, all that will be remembered about this season’s edition of the Virginia Tech Hokies is that they met their goals.

In keeping with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions I will share one of mine with you.

Celebrating wins, losses and state championships is so overdone it’s not even funny.

My favorite story

After a mediocre season, the Wilson Memorial baseball team went into the 2008 Shenandoah District playoffs desperately seeking a chance to return to its past glory. The problem was that Buffalo Gap stood in its way. The Bison lost the automatic Region B berth during the regular season to Luray.

Yeah, I wanted to be a writer. I received the opportunity to capitalize on my love and moved from Virginia Beach to the rolling hills and mountains of Augusta Country last winter.

Merry Christmas! I hope that you are enjoying this special day.

The man underneath some of the most famous hair in America was talking from Bonner Springs, Kan., of all places.

One of the best parts of being involved in the outdoor industry is being able to sit on the boards of some wonderful organizations. One of the most rewarding ones is Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

If Clinton Portis were a high school student, his report card would contain the note, “A delight to teach.”

Standing outside the Riverheads’ locker room, Kelsie Floyd’s eyes were still red and swollen. Her cheeks still wet with tears and her nose still a little bit runny.

Now is the time for the Southern Valley District to shine.

As a professional fly-fishing guide and instructor, I am regularly asked for recommendations on equipment. As Christmas approaches, the questions come fast and furious. Here are some ideas that should be helpful for any fly-fisher or if you are buying gifts for a fly-fisher.

Plaxico Burress is the NFL’s leading lunkhead, a Pro Bowl player in terms of recklessnessand foolishness.

Hunters and anglers have an opportunity to be heard by President-elect Barack Obama’s team as they begin to sort through and prioritize the issues and challenges facing the country.

This past Saturday I had the chance to watch some very talented anglers enjoy fall fishing on the Moormans river west of White Hall. What was truly remarkable about this group of anglers was that they all had a physical or developmental disability, a chronic illness or other special health needs.

Nobody has won anything yet. The refs haven’t even tossed the ball in the air at midcourt, fercryingoutloud (at least, not in a real-time game yet).

Did someone give Jerry Carter a magic Greg Maddux shirt?

The moment J.P. Hayes looked down at the golf ball on the floor in his hotel room, he knew there were only two options. Keep his mouth shut and his chances of playing full-time on the PGA Tour next season alive. Or pick up the phone and disqualify himself.

With one wave of his scepter, Fort Defiance Principal-turned-King Larry Landes gave legitimacy to the one thing high school sports does not need — mouth-breathing fans.

We should all be scared.

Thanks for the ride.

On Saturday, I spent most of the day at the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited’s Annual Meeting. Since it was pouring rain (thankfully, we sure do need it), I didn’t feel too bad about missing the pleasure of sitting in the woods waiting for a deer.

That Fort Defiance Principal Larry Landes only said “no comment” speaks volumes about how little this school administration values years of service, years of dedication and years of headaches.

RICHMOND

Experience, in sports, is spoken of like it’s some sort of Holy Grail. Manna, if you will, raining down from the top of the gym to feed those who have been there and done that before.

RICHMOND

As she watched the Strasburg players parade off the court and run toward their fans, Noël Bartley stood silent and red-eyed, watching the Rams hand out hugs.

It’s tough not to look back at Nov. 6, 2007 and say, “Ah-ha.”