By Ernie W. Webb III LEBO – Pure guts. It’s the best way to describe Burlingame’s gritty 36-32 win against a Lebo team loaded with talented underclassmen and gunning to climb the mountain in a Lyon County League recently dominated by the Bearcats and Madison. Burlingame, now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in district games, overcame […]
Burlingame guts out 36-32 win at Lebo Read More »
By Ernie W. Webb III MADISON – As Madison’s players ran off the field, jumping and yelling in celebration of a hard-fought 42-26 win Friday against Burlingame, John Denver’s “Country Roads” briefly blared on the public address system on the Bulldogs’ home field. That song, of course, is one Burlingame regularly plays at home and
Burlingame falls to Madison in physical battle Read More »
If you’ve read this blog, you know “The Wonder Years” is a common thread. For many of the folks in my generation, it is a masterpiece that captures growing up in the 1970s and 1980s perfectly. I’m reminded of another great episode this week as I think of a former classmate, Michael Alan Butler. Michael,
Rest in peace, Michael Butler: A classmate and humble man Read More »
By Ernie W. Webb III BURLINGAME – In an iconic scene at the end of the wonderful book “Friday Night Lights,” Odessa Permian coach Gary Gaines replaces the names of several graduating seniors with underclassmen on a white board the day after the Panthers’ season ends in the state semifinals. That “next-man-up” mentality has become
Reloading Bearcats dominate in opener Read More »
I was 8 years old when I realized my father was not going to live forever. I remember asking him about it that night as he was tucking my brother and I into our bunk beds at our home in rural Lebanon, Missouri. “Dad, are you going to die?” I said. “Son, we all die.
Next writing project: The old man. Read More »
If you’ve lived in Hampton Roads, you know the often-irritating trek on Interstate 64. Sure, it’s a highway with beautiful surroundings, namely trees and some fine views of the numerous waterways, but also often a nightmare when you’re behind the wheel. During my short time in the region from 2007 to 2009, I worked at
Where not to pull off the road: The Colonial Parkway Read More »
There’s a wonderful episode of “The Wonder Years” (aren’t they all?) called “Math Class.” The synopsis is Kevin Arnold, usually a good student, struggles mightily with Mr. Collins, a stern and seemingly emotionless teacher straight out of the old school. Kevin flails away before finally swallowing his pride and asking Mr. Collins for help. In
Good job, Mrs. Boyce Read More »
Every once in a while on Facebook, I receive a notification about a wave or a poke. The latter I typically find awkward. It’s such an “old school” thing on social media, and I know some people find it to be pushy. Heck, I got a poke the other day, which led me to think,
Saying goodbye to the kind and thoughtful Ruth Lange Read More »
Back in the late 1990s, when malls were still a big deal, my father had a kiosk at the West Ridge Mall in Topeka. I vaguely remember what he paid for that small spot, but I do know it was as pretty penny. I also recall that he had a decent show, but it wasn’t
Twelve Days of Christmas 2024 finale: The ongoing search for James Danny Hollingshead Read More »
Note: This column originally appeared in the Dec. 30, 2006 edition of the Topeka Capital-Journal. At the time, I worked on the Page 2 project for the Capital-Journal and had a regular sports column, which was recognized as one of the most popular in Topeka in the newspaper’s annual “Best of Topeka” special section. It’s
Twelve Days of Christmas 2024, Part XI: Rewind to ‘Rocky Balboa’ review Read More »
