Sports figures give thanks

Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor

There are so many reasons I am thankful. I’m thankful to have such a wonderful, supportive mother (Mumsy) and two loving brothers. I’m thankful to have a job I love, and bosses I can rely on and truly admire.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend some great sporting events, and especially thankful for the chance to cover some great athletes.

I asked several current and former area sports figures what they are thankful for and, as we celebrate Thanksgiving today, these are their responses.

Haley Hiatt, Washington High School

“I’m thankful for being alive, and to have all of (the people) in my life (family, friends). I’m also thankful for my health and the awesome doctors that cured me (of Hodgkin’s disease).

C.J. Wilson, ECU defensive end, former Northside High School star

“I’m thankful for all the Lord’s blessings.”

Stephanie Holton, Shenandoah University basketball and former Columbia High School star

“I’m extremely thankful for all the love and support I get constantly from my entire family, especially my mom, dad and brother. They constantly are giving me encouraging words and supporting me in all I do. Without that, I wouldn’t have reached the point I’m at.”

Trent Whitehead, ECU baseball player and former Washington High School star

“I’m thankful for the time I will get to spend with my family and friends, to be healthy, to able to play baseball every day and all the food that I have been looking forward to.”

Blaine Prescott, Lees-McRae soccer and former Washington High School standout

“I’m thankful for coming home. I’m also even more thankful for the time I can spend with my family. Even just being away for several months has made me realize how great they really are.”

Joe Barber, Sendai 89ers (Japan) and former Terra Ceia star

“I’m thankful for a great set of parents and for good health.”

Kristen Slade, P.S. Jones teacher/coach and former Northside High School great

“I am thankful to have a job. And, of course, I’m thankful for my family and friends.”

Cor-J Cox, Olney Central College (Illinois) basketball, former Washington High School star

“I am thankful for my fans and family that is supporting me down there in lil Washington and I’m thankful for being able to do what’s right on the court and in school.”

Nicole Jordan, ECU softball and former Jamesville High School standout

“I’m thankful for the ability to still be playing the sport I love. I am also thankful for my friends, coaches and family that support and push me to be a better person and athlete.”

Gabby Newman, North Carolina State

“I am thankful to live in a country where we have so much freedom. I am thankful to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and three meals a day. Those make me better off than 90 percent of the world’s population. For that, I am grateful.”

Elton Coffield, BSW Sixers (Germany) and former Williamston High School star

“I’m thankful for my health, family, friends and being able to play basketball for a living.”

Lindsay Gladden, ECU graduate

“I am thankful for my family for always being there to support me 100 percent in everything I do. At the end of the day, I know I can count on my family.”

Holly Knot, Jamesville High School volleyball

“I’m thankful for my family and friends because without them I have no idea where I would be at.”

Davey Ann Burbage, Washington High School standout

“I’m thankful that I’m able to participate in all the sports I do and that my parents and grandparents are able to attend the events and enjoy every minute of it. I love them.”

Jamont Jones, Lenoir-Rhyne football and former Washington High School standout

“I’m thankful for all the opportunities that God has blessed me with. I have a great family and I’ve been blessed to play this game that I love on the college level. I’m also happy and looking forward to some great home cooking.”

Faith Hardison, Williamston High School, signed to golf at ECU

“I am thankful for many things God has blessed me with. I am thankful for my health, my supportive family, friends, abilities and to live in a country where I have freedom of religion.”

Brad Roach, former Williamston High School star

“I am thankful for my loving family, girlfriend, friends and community. Words can’t explain how grateful I am for all the love and support they have shown me throughout my whole life. I am truly blessed to have these loved ones around me.”

Samantha Smith, Tallahassee Community College basketball and former WDN Female Athlete of the Year (Washington)

“First and foremost I would like to thank God for being alive. Also, I’m thankful to have a talent to play basketball here in Florida, to have life, health and strength.”

Damien Linson, former Plymouth High School star

“I am thankful to Jesus for all of my blessings. I am also thankful for my beautiful mother and the rest of my family. Happy Thanksgiving to my grandmother, Martha Linson.”

Suzanne Lee, former WDN Athlete of the Year (Northside) and current ECU student

“I am thankful for my family, friends and the wonderful opportunities that God has given me in life.”

Angelo Sharpless, ECSU basketball/football and former Plymouth High School star

“I’m thankful for being able to make it to the next level, for the support that I have all over this nation from people that know me and from the ones that don’t.”

Lizzy Bruin, ECU volleyball standout

“I am thankful for my family and friends, the opportunity to be in college and play a sport I love, and being alive in general.”

Jeremiah Marable, ECSU football and former Southside High School standout

“I’m thankful for family and friends and the chance to get out there and play college football.”

Gerald Lawrence, ECU football, former Washington High School star

“I’m thankful for God, for keeping me healthy and safe to be able to play college football. I’m thankful for my mom, dad and family for their support throughout the years of me growing up. I’m also thankful for having a place to come home to, and spend time with family and friends. Overall, I’m just thankful for being here.”

Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at kevin@wdnweb.com.