FanSpeak

We'll miss him

I SAW where Jeff Brightwell was leaving. We will miss Jeff calling the Central soccer games. I am really appreciative of Jeff for serving the local sports scene beyond football and basketball. Good luck in Memphis, Jeff.

It's Rush with the ball

IN THE most disingenuous diatribe to date, low-key right-wing spinmeister Tony Snow said Rush exited from ESPN selflessly to protect the league from the rough and tumble world of politics. That may be, but I think Warren Sapp would be more likely to survive three hours behind the EIB microphone than could Rush as a Rams running back.

It's too cold to play

HAVE THESE people who run the soccer program been kicked in the head? It is 50 degrees and raining outside, and they are still having those kids come out and play soccer. Now how many of those kids are going to be sick and not been able to go to school? Don't the parents have a backbone to stand up? If they are in support for the soccer program, then they should come and sit in shorts and no hats. I blame the parents just as much as the soccer program.

You got what you wanted

A STUDENT from Central said how wonderful it would be to have our own field. But his reasons are not good ones. First, we should have a field because everyone else does. This is not a good excuse for anything. Second, the athletes don't have to drive back and forth. Folks knew about that when they lobbied so hard to get the high school at Silver Springs. Every time I look, there is a athlete asking for money because our school district does not have the money to support these programs.

The best time of year

WHAT IS it about baseball that makes the regular season so boring but the playoffs so exciting? Only baseball.

Proud grandparents

THANKS TO the sports writers for the scoop on the eighth-grade football game at North County. It was great to read the stats on my grandson, Garrett Stevens, in the morning paper.

Think before you hire

I THINK Brett Favre is overrated. Does that mean the media wants to make sure that Cheeseheads are well thought of? ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Company ought to think about the representatives they choose when hiring color commentators like Rush Limbaugh.

On Rush's side

I AGREE with Rush Limbaugh. What's the big deal? Rush is just being Rush, and isn't that what we like about him? He says the things others don't have the guts to say. Sometimes the truth hurts, doesn't it? Go, Rush, go. Keep telling it like it is.

A bad sense of smell

THEY SAY you can tell a tiger by his stripes. In David Wilson's Monday column, he predicts an upset by Advance against Notre Dame in volleyball on Tuesday. "I smell an upset," he said. Was this the prediction of an informed, unbiased reporter? Or was it the prediction of a Central student who would love nothing more than to see Notre Dame lose? Either way, the only thing that you could smell during Notre Dame's win was the food from the concession stand.

Finally, Cubs coverage

I WANT to say a big thank you for the generous article concerning the Central Division champion Chicago Cubs. Speaking for the Cub fans -- yes, there are Cub fans in Southeast Missouri -- it has been a long time since we have won the division, and because I no longer live near Chicago I have nothing to save from your paper. I think the press could be unbiased enough to include articles that focus on teams other than the Cardinals.

Good job, Notre Dame

CONGRATULATIONS TO the Notre Dame freshman volleyball team for your first-place finish in the Jackson tournament. Your effort and teamwork paid off. I also want to extend my personal thanks to all the supportive parents.