I’ve always considered myself a sports junkie, or someone who simply can’t get enough sports no matter how much I consume.
This can manifest itself in several different ways.
Some folks obsess over one team, or school. Some people follow sports for the athletes and their stories. Some pour over stats and numbers. Myself? All the above.
And I’ll put my sports knowledge up against almost anybody on the planet. Truth is, I like my chances in that scenario.
But a little over a year and half ago, I ran up against my toughest challenger to date - a man named Matthew Osborne.
Try as I might, that guy just seemed to dwarf my knowledge at every turn. Following many a sports debate with Matthew - of which we had plenty - I’d find myself walking away, tail tucked. Back to the drawing board.
There were definitely some areas where I topped Matthew. Like the new NCAA College Football video game. Two weeks ago, I stopped by the Osborne’s new pad in Cornelia to whoop up on him.
After the beatdown, Matthew quickly shifted gears to show off his elaborate sports memorabilia collection. I was blown away.
Those who knew Matthew know the guy loved him some Philly sports. That didn’t always go over well with folks down south. Yet he had no problem boasting his allegiances to anyone who would listen and, well, even those who wouldn’t.
But regardless of how true to his convictions he was, Matthew always found common ground with those in his path … even if that took a little extra effort on his part. Unlike the stereotypical Philly fan, (Matthew acknowledged they were among the most vile breed on Earth) he was gentle with his words. Always quick to listen and slow to anger. Simply put, he was a people person. I don’t think Matthew had an enemy in his life. Unless you count Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper, but that’s a story for another time.
On a personal note, I considered Matthew a friend. When I first arrived in Northeast Georgia (with limited journalistic experience) he sort of took me under his wing. I think he sensed my initial anxiety regarding a new pursuit and new community.
Whether it be the occasional round of golf, hanging out at a local sports game or one of our many instances of going down the sports history rabbit hole, Matthew made a real effort to connect. For that I’m grateful.
Lang Storey is the sports writer for The Northeast Georgian. Reach him at lstorey@thenortheastgeorgian.com or 706-778-4215 ext. 415.