Alex Lake Sports EditorThis time of year some 15 years ago, my mother would probably be outside for hours on in yelling for me to come in and do my "homework". In my mind then, why should I do this thing called homework when i'll be making millions playing ball one day?  
While also swimming every afternoon for my swim team, I was dead set on either being the next Jerry Rice or Michael Jordan, the catch is, I knew that I would have my choice of being either or both.
Well, the reality of a 5-10, not so fast (or quick)  guy making it in either league eventually set in, probably a lot later than I would like to admit in print at least. But, the longing to do something in sports never did.
Growing up in Mississippi, you learn a few things  that come with more than a few lessons; You'll either pull for one of two teams. In elementary and even junior high and you're emotionally invested in one of those teams, under no terms should you taunt your friends that pull for the other color before the Egg Bowl.  
Yes, I learned this the hard way. I suppose I blocked this memory out because of the obvious physiological issues it may bring but after every Egg Bowl loss when I was younger, I would curl up on the couch and cry my eyes out for the rest of the night. That wasn't all, when it came time to go to school that next Monday, I would suddenly come down with a different sickness for which my mother would call me on.
Sure, I was upset my team had lost. But, it was mostly the passion and pride my friends and I had whether you pulled for either team that was contagious.
I've also learned it's not only Mississippi State or Ole Miss that have such deep passions for their teams. Whether it be Yazoo City v. County, South Panola v. Olive Branch, Benton Academy v. Tri-County, it's everywhere in this state.
I knew I had to be around this when I was deciding what career choice I would make as I studied at The University of Mississippi.
In my time in Oxford, I was the beat writer for the basketball and baseball teams, respectively for the Daily Mississippian. During that time, I learned how to not become emotionally invested in teams since it was now a job. (Being an Ole Miss fan, this can become a nice tool to use.)
In only two short weeks, I can tell Yazoo City is the prototypical (if not more) Mississippi town when it comes to your hometown teams.
I look forward to serving as your sports editor and witnessing even more passion for your area athletics teams.