December 2022

How 2022 ended: Harvick was one of four drivers — a group that also included two-time champ Kyle Busch — to be dropped from title contention after the Round of 16 elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway, a race Harvick had won just two years prior. It was a somewhat abrupt end to the 2014 champion’s shot at a second Cup title after coming alive just a few weeks prior with back-to-back wins at Michigan and Richmond as the regular season wound down. Issues at Darlington (exhaust, P33) and Kansas (crash, P36) put him in must-win mode at Bristol, and his 10th-place run was not enough to advance. His best remaining finish after being eliminated came at the Charlotte road course, with a runner-up showing.

Katie Hettinger said becoming the newest recipient of Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award is a great feeling that reminds her of how far NASCAR has progressed when it comes to diversity. Named after Hall of Famer Wendell Scott, who became the first African-American to win a NASCAR Cup Series event in 1963, the award is presented to a driver based on his or her on-track performance in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, as well as other qualities like sportsmanship and community service.

The Midlothian Lady Panthers bounced back from a home loss last week to take a District 8-5A win on the road on Friday evening, beating Arlington Seguin, 48-35. Last Tuesday, the Lady Panthers hosted Mansfield Timberview and came away with an 83-64 loss.

Mike Leach, the gruff, pioneering and unfiltered college football coach who helped revolutionize the game with the Air Raid offense, has died following complications from a heart condition, Mississippi State said Tuesday. He was 61.

As a young boy, I read about fishing up in remote lakes up in northern Saskatchewan for big northern pike, walleye and arctic grayling. I’d read all about the shore lunches, the cry of the loon, and battles with big northern pike. Several years ago, I experienced Canadian wilderness fishing for the first time and since have made several return trips. I also think many folks get “boggled” down with what they perceive to be a complex travel itinerary and deem the trip “up north” to fish too expensive and complicated. Just like fishing in the states, there is a wide assortment of options; everything from camps that offer fully guided fishing in a lodge with chef to do it yourself operations I’ve always been a do-ityourselfer, regardless what outdoor endeavor I am partaking in but a trip up to the wilds of Canada requires a bit of help. I guess it’s possible for someone in tip physical condition to actually spend a month or so and reach these isolated fishing lakes but few have the physical conditioning, skills or time for a completely DIY fishing trip up in the north country. But I’ve found an economical way to gain access to a fun filled 5 days of fishing without having to take a second mortgage!