First Posted: 3/5/2015
Back to the grind of working in Lima, Ohio, this week.
Not that I wasn’t working in Goodyear, Arizona, last week, but it is a whole different “ball game,” pardon the pun.
Although, I can’t tell you how many people have already asked me how was vacation?
Huh?
Look, I WAS working, but let’s be honest — not like I am locked in a factory from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Those people that do that are special.
I couldn’t do that.
I actually did it for a summer after my freshman year in college.
Didn’t like it.
I haven’t done it since.
Feel very fortunate that I am able to do what I have been doing for nearly 35 years.
And here’s to 35 more right?
It was a nice “working” trip in Goodyear, spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians, but always good to be back home — uh Ohio weather and all.
OTHER KOZA THOUGHTS:
•Think the Browns made a good move in signing free agent quarterback Josh McCown.
Look, their choices were limited. This is a guy who was also reportedly sought by the Bills and the Bears and the Jets? Hello! That’s why they had to give the 35-year-old journeyman signal-caller a three-year contract. But it also shows you that there are a lot of NFL teams that have an issue at quarterback. The Browns are not alone.
•Be interesting to see what the Browns do in the free agent market. They definitely need help at defensive line and wide receiver, and there are some good options out there for signing players at those positions. We keep hearing that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam isn’t going to be a “big-time player” in free agency, but I believe that he will be active.
•The “Road to Columbus” is officially underway locally with girls and boys high school basketball tournament action. It is certainly one of my favorite events to cover each March. But can I tell you that the atmosphere at Lima Senior on Tuesday night for the Division II sectional semifinals was not a good one? The first try at a “Super Sectional” had teams from Otsego, Fostoria and Tiffin Columbian all traveling a long way to play their first tournament game. And their fans didn’t follow.
Game one between Otsego and Fostoria had maybe 200 fans in the house (I’m being kind), and some of them were from Bath. Game two between the Wildcats and the Tornadoes had maybe double that, but it certainly didn’t feel like a tournament atmosphere that we get a chance to experience this time every year. I do expect it to be better for the sectional finals there Friday night, with Celina and Elida playing, and both schools with great fan followings. And you can bet Bath fans will be there in full force for a third matchup versus rival Elida. But Tuesday was the downside of this Super Sectional idea, no question.
