Passing the torch is part of sporting traditions

Note to Readers: This was my last sports column for Gazette Newspapers. They chose not to publish it in their September 12, 2007 issue.

by ROD ICE

One characteristic that defines humanity is our pursuit of competitive sports.
Mankind has sought to attain excellence through gaming since the very dawn of our existence. We use sports activity to measure endurance and skill in a way that can be effectively conveyed to others. Our fascination with statistics, standings, and athletic histories reflects an inner need to know how good we can become.
This inherited discipline has translated into our culture at all levels. Those who excel at sports typically find that they also have a gift for business, leadership, or public service. Rules that govern team efforts on the field of play are nearly universal.
In many ways, our love of sports simply reflects a mortal passion for life itself.
Part of any athletic career is passing the torch. A player may receive instruction, guidance, and training from seasoned veterans as their odyssey begins. Through such conditioning, their fate may be tilted toward betterment. Basic physical abilities can be nurtured. Good mechanics, and solid a work ethic are often instilled.
Our spirits grow stronger by facing the challenge of sports interaction.
This process is repeated when this cycle nears its conclusion. Those with years of persistence and performance give their knowledge and intensity to the next generation.
Passing the torch is more than an action between long-distance runners. It is one of the traditions we use to identify who we are as a civilization.
When I began a long-ago internship at the Ithaca Times in Ithaca, New York, I was one who inherited the spirit of service-through-writing from the older generation. Interest in the craft was magnified by the conviction of my tutors. Their zeal became my own. Soon, I found myself looking for story opportunities around every corner.
I inherited a new perspective on the world.
In more modern terms, leading the sports department at Gazette Newspapers has also reflected that age-old tradition of passing the torch.
My mission here was simple, but important – to develop these pages to their ultimate potential. Accomplishing that goal has involved developing lines of communication, fostering a climate of mutual respect, and opening avenues for our talented participants to step forward with their contributions.
Meanwhile, I worked to reach out to our community in a spirit of cooperation. Because no methodology to serve our audience could be complete without input from the people, themselves.
In a sense, I was very much like an athletic coach. My work focused on drawing the human potential out of our crew through motivation and positive reinforcement. And on making our newspaper ‘real’ for our readers.
The plan I used was largely based on habits from my tenure as a retail manager. Yet it was implemented with the careful eye of a creative writer. I felt a personal sense of passion for the work at hand, and pride in our accomplishments on the printed page.
The result was thrilling, and intense. Our team chemistry made great things happen. In the end, we have been able to function as a group. Everyone involved has responded with enthusiasm. It was wonderful to witness such a change.
Now, my turn to pass the torch has come.
Like a swift-footed courier in a relay event, I’ve completed my own portion of this race. Another soul is about to take up the flaming scepter, and continue the journey.
In this instance, the next runner will be a familiar soul - Dave Jividen.
Dave has become well known around Ashtabula County - as a friend, father, mentor, coach, and store manager.
Through his public service, stewardship, and work for Gazette Newspapers, he has helped enhance the quality of life in our corner of the world.
Dave covered many different sporting events in these pages, with enthusiasm and skill. While working as a reporter, his intent was always the same. He wanted to compose good material for our readers.
That upbeat attitude caused me to respect his work from the very beginning of our journalistic partnership. We were cut from the same cloth, and shared a philosophy of positive thinking about the newspaper business.
In recent months, he provided invaluable help as my full-time assistant. I have learned to depend on his advice about coaches and athletes from Geneva to Williamsfield, or Windsor to Pierpont.
In short, he has proven to be someone who was truly dedicated to the cause.
Now, he will bear the torch for this department.
“The players change – but the game itself goes on.” That is a truism that has never lost meaning.
So I am glad to be at this point in the relay. And humbled to consider what we have been able to do in this department.
Sincere thanks to you for letting me participate in such an incredible adventure.
Let the torch go forward!