June 16, 2011. It’s not a date that will live in infamy, but that was the last time a column of mine appeared in The Garden Island. It’s been close to two years since my old mug shot — one
June 16, 2011.
It’s not a date that will live in infamy, but that was the last time a column of mine appeared in The Garden Island.
It’s been close to two years since my old mug shot — one that featured an astounding number of hair follicles — greeted you during your morning perusal.
While I’d love to be grandiose and create an all-encompassing narrative comparing then and now, the truth is that many things have changed and many have remained the same. That was a world where LeBron James had never won a title and Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson were eating dormitory food. It was also a world where Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson won the year’s first two ASP events, which was proven this past week to still be a contemporary concept.
I’ve probably changed a bit. I hit the big 3-0 this past winter, which is still yet to sink in. The calendar now tells me I’m somewhat removed from my youth. My eating habits and video game use naively tell me otherwise.
In terms of my writing, I think that I’ve grown in some respects, but my voice remains basically the same. I’m interested in providing commentary that is certainly topical and hopefully entertaining.
I’m not interested in tearing anyone down or spouting negativity for negativity’s sake. Sports, while it means more to some of us than it probably deserves, are meant to be an enjoyable distraction. That enjoyment should bleed into the Sports section. Acclaimed sports writer Red Smith once said “People go to ball games to have fun, and they pick up the paper the next morning to have that fun again.”
I’ll try to live by that as often as I can.
As “My Thoughts Exactly” appears each Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and I’ll be offering information and opinion on a broad range of topics, focusing on what’s happening in the moment. When the KIF seasons are in full force, it will be my priority, as will other Kaua‘i events in the near future or recent past.
I’ll be looking across the pond at the University of Hawai‘i and discussing its place among the rest of NCAA athletics. I’ll keep a close eye on the Association of Surfing Professionals tours, especially considering Malia Manuel and Alana Blanchard made the cut for this year’s Top 17 and the 2012 emergence of Sebastian Zietz.
I’ll certainly dive into the national ranks when necessary. It’s somewhat fitting that today is Selection Sunday and the official unveiling of what will be this year’s version of March Madness. As a well-known hoops junkie, you can be sure to hear from me as the drama unfolds, including some predictions in this Wednesday’s column.
I’m very happy to be back in the pages of TGI and mahalo to everyone who has ever provided me with a story idea, a simple quote or a few words of wisdom. I’m excited to continue seeing all your familiar faces around Kaua‘i’s energetic sports community.
• ‘My Thoughts Exactly’ appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays in The Garden Island. Email David Simon your comments or questions to dsimon@thegardenisland.com.
