"Steve's Karaoke"

Since my early days growing up in Jonesboro, Georgia, I’ve loved the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. 

     I was born in Bessemer, Alabama on April 12th, 1960.  My family lived there until I was 4, when we moved to Los Angeles, California!?  I’ve never really understood that move. 

     But, one year later, and before I began school~they apparently didn’t have kindergarten back then~we moved, again.  This time, to Hapeville, Georgia.  We lived on Meadow Road.  The road that is right behind the first ever Chick-fil-A restaurant.  The very first “Dwarf House”.  I remember, as a boy, walking through that little door in the front.  Thank you, Mr. Cathey, for all those memories.  And, for always standing up for what is right.  You are one of my personal inspirations! 

     We lived in Hapeville for about two years, and then, moved to my families’ final ’growing up’ spot, Jonesboro.  It’s about 20 miles south of Atlanta.  And, the home of the Jonesboro Cardinals.  I ‘lived’ for football, then. 

     I remember waking up on Saturdays and being so excited to go and play a game for the little league Jonesboro Yellow Jackets.  I have vivid memories of those days.  We’d go play, wherever it was, and we’d be back in time to watch Alabama play on T.V.  That was the best! 
I remember loving to watch Johnny Musso run and play the game.  He was the first guy to wear a cutoff jersey #22.  They can’t do that, now.  But, back then, it was cool.  My uncle, Larry Sims, who lives in Bessemer now, is what made me what I am concerning Alabama football.  He ‘breathes’ it.  He knows everything about it.  And, has been a walking Alabama recollection reel his entire life.  He is passionate when it comes to the Tide!  That’s where my love for them began.  And, continues today. 

     How about last week?  I was a little leary going in against Virginia Tech.  I didn’t really know what to expect.  But, while it wasn’t too pretty~if you watched you know what I mean~our guys got it done.  

     It was a little disconcerting to see Greg McElroy with a ’deer in headlights’ look in the first half.  But, equally encouraging to see him make adjustments, and improve his performance in the second.  I guess we could call it trial by fire.  All in all, I think he did a Great Job of rallying his team.  And, getting it done, when he had to.  Great Job, Brother!

     I’d like to make a point here.  Alabama could have chosen a team like “Charleston Southern” for it’s first opponent.  Or, any one of a number of teams that are not football competitive, but it didn’t.  

     The University of Alabama, and it’s coach, Mr. Saban, are a class act.  I’m happy to be aligned with them in their pursuit of perfection.  Please let me know what you think, and who your favorite teams are in the comment section.  Heck, please include your name, email and, where you are.  So, I can gloat when the time comes.  Because it IS coming!  Roll……Tide……Roll!