I am not out to place additional weight on the shoulders of parents who have children participating in sports, because I know it can be a very busy lifestyle. In this case, though, I feel that I must. Just driving your children to and from games isn't enough. The best gift you can give your children is your lasting health.

I bring this up after attending some recent events in Howard County only to notice that too many of the parents are carrying too much weight, particularly around the middle and in the rear end. The kids look great and are active, but too many of the parents are spending an inordinate amount of time watching others exercise and neglecting their own physical fitness. So if you want to make your kids proud, drop some of those unneeded pounds by doing some exercise and eating better. I know people work and don't have the time but we can all take 30 minutes a day, three days a week at the least and show these kids that mom and dad can look really good, too.

I am speaking from personal experience. For nearly four decades I looked like Porky Pig, always trying to suck in my gut whenever I had to. I gave the fat up and so can you. Just try it. You will be amazed how well you will look and feel and most importantly your children will be excited that their parents look more like Jack Lalanne and less likeDom DeLuise.

Elmore passes

I cannot let the death of Arnie Elmore pass without saying something about this remarkable man. I came to know Arnie during my early days in Columbia. In fact, I first got to know Arnie during a Cobra Football game when I heard a powerful voice boom from the other side of the field. It was Arnie in his wheelchair explaining to an official why his call was wrong. Arnie was correct and he was never afraid to tell me face-to-face when he disagreed with something I said.

He was passionate about sports and he didn't allow his disability to get in the way of his coaching, mentoring and befriending so many young people and so many adults. It is easy to say that people like Arnie Elmore come along once in a lifetime but I can honestly say without fear of contradiction that Arnie Elmore really was one of those unforgettable personalities who do so much for so many of us and never get the recognition they deserve. Rest in peace, Arnie, you deserve it.

Kemp drafted by Reds

Recently I have written about some of our players who have gone on to St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia to play baseball there. Now, junior Ryan Kemp from Columbia is the latest. He was selected last week by the Cincinnati Reds in the 14th round, the 445th player selected in the Major League Baseball First Year Players Draft.

He is the team's closer, holding the opposition to a meager .198 batting average. He has registered four saves and that places him fifth in St. Joseph's baseball history.

Pagnotta selected to regional team

Glenelg's Anthony Pagnotta, a sophomore midfielder, has been selected to to represent the Mid-Atlantic Region in the 2011 National Lacrosse Classic set for July 5-8 in Germantown. He was one of four Gladiators named to the High School Underclassmen All-American team. The others were junior attack Nick Wynne, junior midfielder Glenn Lucas and sophomore midfielder Mark Darden.