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Kellie Goodman

Celebrating the simple fact there’s no place like home

Commentary This is the time of year when high schools and colleges celebrate homecoming: the chance to return to your alma mater and remember days gone by. It’s a time for football games and floats, pep rallies and party dresses, teammates and traditions. At many high schools, ceremonies include a whole week of spirit activities: dressing in pajamas, impersonating movie stars, and most importantly swimming in school colors and school pride. Unfortunately, in spite of all of that scholastic spirit, when high school is over, many students are anxious to see our region in their ...

Sports becoming political

Some general observations while growing sadder by the day at the interjection of politics and protests into our favorite pastimes: While much of the nation was focused on the NFL on Sunday, and with it, the swirling of politically-charged tweets, high-profile-albeit-peaceful protests, and presidential rants, NASCAR had set up shop in New Hampshire, with high-flying flags and plenty of playoff excitement. But in the midst of the first round of playoff races, politics intervened, as team owners and drivers were peppered with questions about the national anthem controversy brewing on the ...

Lady Lions planning LeadHERship Academy

Of all the skills and values taught through athletics, perhaps one of the most significant is that of leadership. While team sports extol the importance of each team member knowing their role, working together, and putting the greater good above oneself, all teams also need leaders. Whether it’s a boisterous leader who inspires with rousing pep talks, or a quiet one that garners respect by example, good leadership is vital to the success of any team, group or organization, including those far from the athletic field. Leadership, specifically for girls, is the topic of a special ...

Sports help in times of trouble

Commentary There are times when talking about sports seems very small compared to the overwhelming things going on in the world. Over the last few weeks, millions of Americans have been impacted by devastating hurricanes in Texas and Florida. Lives and livelihoods, homes and so much more have been lost in the rushing waters and extreme winds. Still, national sports know the show must go on; and so they did, with the NFL and NASCAR joining the coast-to-coast relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, even as Hurricane Irma was still bearing down on the Sunshine State. The ...

Several things observed on Labor Day

Some general observations while bidding an unofficial farewell to summer… For many, Labor Day offers a final chance for camping and cookouts as the school year and fall sports kick into high gear. It’s the last weekend before NFL games start to count, and the height of the US Open Tennis Tournament. And for many of us, this holiday celebrating the American worker is a much-anticipated day three-day weekend, of which we spent at least some time generally enjoying sports and recreation. Gridiron greatness This weekend’s gridiron games felt like October football, with fans ...

Fishertown’s Godissart paves way for women officials

Friday nights are special for Annette Godissart of Fishertown. Each week, she makes her way to a high school football field, not to watch from the bleachers or work the concession stand, but to put on her black and white uniform and referee the game. “I love football … it’s just a lot of fun, and I really like to officiate,” said Godissart, a few hours before the season opener. “There’s nothing better than being out on a beautiful night on the football field, and quite frankly, there’s not enough people to do it.” Godissart started officiating when her now-grown ...