Winter blues blown away by our Blue Devils

Winter came and blew quickly away with another awesome basketball season. Does the Greencastle Antrim Blue Devils realize what they do for our community? I was so awestruck to see Greencastle fans continually pour into Martz Hall having driven two hours away.

Our boys really added a special warmth to our cold winter evenings. But, there is someone else that needs a great big thank you, and that is Garon Gembe. To see what you have done with our basketball program from year to year has been such an eye-opening respectful experience. I know I could speak for Marc (Pool), and I am sure Jeremy (Eby) shares the same sentiment, that our household gets a stronger, homey spark in it when your dedication and excitement for the renewed season rolls around again. I look back at the last few years, and think, you, Jeremy and Marc have grown even closer with the successes and adversities you all have been dealt. Garon, you bring such a calming strength to your bench and I know many people respect you for that.

Your strength is even made stronger with your silent partner, Julie. Many people in the community who love those Devils, do not realize all the time and energy Julie puts in also. To build our close community during our basketball season, Julie oversees team dinners, T-shirt selling, bracelet selling, food on the buses, little "pick-me-up" notes for the players, "motherly love" to all the players, and so much more. You both make a strong unity that is a wonderful model for our team.

Yes, the boys get the well-deserved limelight and pictures in the papers, but I felt the need to give a big, respectful thank you to the master mind behind the bench. Thank you, Garon Gembe.
Mary Lou Pool
Grerencastle