OCVarsity Voice: Finish-line fever causes some not-so-great flashbacks

I think it was Ice Cube who said "Life ain't a track meet, it's a marathon." That can also apply to this job.

I feel as if I’ve been running (in circles) since August. Now, I can finally see the finish line. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel - or is that just the start of the fall season where I will attempt to pull off another football/girls volleyball/Galaxy trifecta.

So, as you get ready to complain about the yet-to-be-released baseball, softball, volleyball, track and tennis all-county teams, I’m going to give you my personal top moments/lowlights from this high school season that is FINALLY wrapping up.

(The fall season is out there lurking in the distance, sort of like Lou Ponsi. Our summer break gets shorter and shorter every year. In fact, I think our football previews are due next week.)

1.  Friday night football.

The high school football season is almost as long as the NFL season. Why is it called Week 0 when so many teams are playing? Think about that.

So, let’s a play game called “Which Friday night would you rather have?" Yours: You leave work by 6 and you’re off to dinner and maybe a movie. Mine: I’m still at work at 6. There’s a football game at 7. In fact, I’m still at work at midnight.

I win. Or do you win?

I’m going to write a book about my Friday night adventures. Check for it.

2. Working with Steve Fryer.

I’m not sure if this was a good thing or not, but it was certainly memorable.

We doubled up on a couple of football games (Servite-Esperanza, Servite-Crespi, Mater Dei-Centennial), basketball games (MD-JSerra and MD-Santa Margarita when I doubled as his bodyguard) and of course the Nike Extravaganza basketball tournament. That was an all-day event, both on the court and sitting on press row.

Fryer was in rare form. Here’s a sampling: “People think I know a lot of stuff, but I don’t” and “I’m not as stupid as I look.” He needs his own reality show. I think we can work on that for the fall.

Or maybe Dan Albano needs a reality show. Miguel A. Melendez? Somebody will have a camera following them next year.

3. Working from a parking lot somewhere in Fullerton.

That’s what happened following a Troy-Diamond Bar football game back in September. The Fullerton High stadium crew wasn’t buying what we were selling and eventually forced us (myself, Adam Maya and a reporter from another paper from the greater L.A. area) to pack up and head down the street to put the finishing touches on our stories. I wasn’t pleased then and I’m still not. I’m never going back. This doesn’t happen when Mater Dei plays. In fact, I’m calling my shot right now - I’m only covering Trinity League games next year.

4. I’m looking forward to June 10th.

I know that’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but it is also our end of the year banquet, which puts the wraps on the high school season. (Did I say that is Game 3 of the NBA Finals??!!! Can we reschedule?).

Two weeks after that, I’m on vacation. I think I’ve deserved it.

5. Lou Ponsi.

Enough said.

See you in the fall or late summer.

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com