New Jersey Herald: Fletcher blazed way to greatness

by Matt Sheehan | The New Jersey Herald

Keith Fletcher sported the rare athletic combination of raw talent plus grit.

Because of that talent and grit, Fletcher will be enshrined Saturday in the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame.

Feltcher’s parents decided to move to the area from Virginia because they felt the school systems were superior to those in the South. Fletcher said his parents were, and remain, a constant presence who always supported their two children and never pushed recklessly.

“You look up parenting in the dictionary and you see pictures of my parents,” he said.

The family’s home was in Green Township, out by the old train tracks off county Route 611. Although Fletcher played a ton of pick-up football with the local kids growing up, his parents would not permit him in the county’s organized league.

“My uncle, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, had told my parents not to let me play football until I was in the eighth grade because he felt kids weren’t mentally or physically ready to put up with what’s going to happen.”

Soon enough, eighth grade came and it was love at first practice. Fletcher said he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

I’m glad I started late; I was a little more mature so when those tough things came along I could handle them,” he said.

Once he moved up to Newton High School, he wasn’t the biggest guy but he may have been the fastest guy.

“I ran a 4.35 (40-yard dash),” he said.

That’s scary quick, especially 30 years ago, especially in the SCIL. For some perspective, at this year’s NFL combine, only three players bested that mark.

 

 

New Jersey Herald: From the Big Island to big-time athlete, coach

by Matt Sheehan | New Jersey Herald

Its 4:30 a.m. and Sabrina Lucas’ sneakers pound against the pavement. Her run takes her along county Route 517 in Sparta and up Glen Road. On the surface, it’s just part of her preparation for the upcoming New York City Marathon. But to this mother and wife, this teacher and coach, these morning workouts are therapeutic — like a trip to the spa.

courtesy the NJ Herald

“It’s a chance to clear my head, reflect and release the stress of anything that’s bothering me,” she said.

Despite her take on it, getting up for a jog while most of us are tucked away in bed demonstrates a rare determination and commitment to excellence. That commitment will be recognized Nov. 1 when Lucas is inducted into the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame.

It also will be a tribute to the parents from whom she learned that determination.

“It’s all about the work ethic; no matter what I did in life, my parents told me to do my best,” she said.

Cory Booker

Mayor Cory Booker has spearheaded the revitilization of Newark over the last few years. If your familiar, you know its an overwhelming project and you know Booker is precisely the soul to pull it off.  
Take ten minutes and check out the speech below. I defy you to walk away uninspired.

For the most part I try to avoid politics here, but I saw clip over at Ta-Nehisi Coates‘s blog of Richard Trumpka addressing Steel Workers and found it way too compelling to ignore. Regardless of your political allegiance, this guy’s passion is refreshing and his point on race is most certainly valid—not to mention, it’s a well crafted speech.
Note: The last minute of the speech does get a tad partisan

5 people who are having a worse week than you

Michael Bloomberg
After rumblings had him as a contender in the 2008 Presidential Race, the New York City mayor removed himself from consideration in a New York Times Op-Ed. Sure, he may have just not wanted the job, although I tend to believe that men as challenge driven as Bloomberg want to be President–regardless of what they say or write. With the economy in shambles and America unconvinced by Sen. McCain or Sen. Obama, its the perfect time for a business knowledgeable, Independent to sweep in and win the election. If only Mr. Bloomberg, if only…

Jerry Manuel
The Mets collapsed again. This time Manuel steered the ship—ok, maybe there was a bullpen led mutiny. Regardless of fault, reports state Manuel is likely to land an extension with the team to manage again, and lord knows with the current state of the economy(more later) his wife won’t let him turn down a job. But we should feel for Jerry, another year trying to guide this collection of clowns into the playoffs ought to be brutal.