Category: Columns

WES’s WISDOM: CJ Cummings took the road less traveled … all the way to Tokyo

When we first heard CJ Cummings’ name nearly 10 years ago, we knew that one day he had the potential to become an American hero. Now, his moment has arrived. In just a few days, the hometown kid from Beaufort will take his shot at Olympic stardom and U.S. weighlifting immortality. But his career and his incredible journey to the global stage in Tokyo almost never happened.

WES’s WISDOM: Technology has made podcasting possible for everyone – including you

The Internet has made it possible for us to express and communicate with each other in exciting new ways. And one of the most popular avenues is the podcast. It’s like a talk show, a conversation, and a night of storytelling all blended into one, like sitting by the campfire and chatting with your best friends. 

WES’s WISDOM: ‘The Ghost’ defied the odds to excel at every level

There was very little interest at the college level for Beaufort High defensive back Ron Parker. But he wasn’t ready to let his gridiron dreams slip away that quickly. It would take a steep road with lots of hurdles to get to the top of the mountain, and Parker was ready to accept the challenge. 

WES’s WISDOM: Chill out with these great books for sports fans this summer

Summer is finally here, and that means an opportunity for all of us to kick back and relax after a long and challenging year. One of the best parts of the long-awaited season? Heading over to the beach, the pool, or even just the porch and delving into a great book. It’s summer reading season, and if you’re a sports fan and are looking for some insightful and inspirational reads, you’re in luck. Here are a few of my favorite sports-related books to enjoy, wherever your go-to reading spot may be.

WES’s WISDOM: Hadley on the cusp of career-defining win at Congaree

For a professional golfer, there’s nothing worse than the disappointment of losing a PGA Tour card. For Chesson Hadley, it meant a long and difficult climb back up to the top of a steep mountain. Now, after years of an unrelenting grind, Hadley can see the shining summit. The 33- year-old is just a round of golf away from a career-defining victory right here in the South Carolina Lowcountry. 

RIETVELD: Ace the Palmetto Championship at Congaree with these DFS picks

Want to make this week’s Palmetto Championship at Congaree even more interesting? Let’s talk about some golfers you should take in your Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lineups this week to earn those all-important bragging rights in your weekly game. 

WES’s WISDOM: PGA Tour’s first visit to Congaree brings excitement, intrigue

As we approach the first tee time in just a handful of days, here are a couple of key storylines to keep an eye on in preparation for a memorable weekend in the Lowco.

WES’s WISDOM: Remembering the highlights from a year like no other

This weekend, we’ve reached the end of a high school sports season unlike any other we've seen. As we entered the dying days of summer in early August, I had no idea how far we’d get. But after amazing work by coaches, student-athletes, administrators, and fans adhering to the many difficult challenges that the last eight-plus months had to offer, we've completed a memorable year filled with some phenomenal accomplishments. As we cross the finish line of 2020-21, let’s take some time to recap the incredible moments that made this year a special one here in the Lowcountry.

WES’s WISDOM: The Lowcountry has become the fountain of youth for another golf legend

The best part of following major golf tournaments is their unpredictability. You truly never know who will put together a hot week and surge all the way to a victory of a lifetime. A couple days ago, no one would have predicted 50-year-old Phil Mickelson to have a realistic shot at raising the Wanamaker Trophy in our home state of South Carolina. But after a brilliant performance on one of the toughest courses in the world and the grandest of stages, Lefty has done the impossible.