R. David Shew
Something that is important to me is friendships. I will always remember when my father told me “Son, if you have five true friends, you are a fortunate person.” Over the next fifty plus years, I have begun to understand what my father was trying to teach me.
Last April my great friend, Doug Vescio, attended EKU Suits for Seniors at Chenault Winery and won a trip to Utah Tech. Next, Doug invited me to fly with him and the EKU football team for their game with Utah Tech. Of course, I accepted the invitation and looked forward to the trip.
Last Friday another friend, Jason Rothermund, and I flew out with the EKU football team to St. George, Utah. Unfortunately, Doug was not able to go with us on the trip due to business commitments. Sorry about your luck Doug!
On the way to Lexington, Jason and I stopped at Jake’s Cigar Bar where I was lucky enough to witness Jason make a business presentation and learn a little more about Jake’s Cigar Bar. We also walked across the parking lot to Jake’s Market where Jake has some unique gifts and merchandise.
After this, Jason and I drove to Signature Aviation to board our flight to Utah with the EKU football coaches, players, athletic staff, and a few boosters. We flew Allegiant Air. The three-and-half hour plane ride was the most boring part of the trip as well as the plane ride home after the game, but it beat driving to Utah.
Kudos to Sean Hamilton and Corey Neal for treating us to a wonderful dinner at the Cliffside Restaurant Friday evening and early morning trip to Zion National Park to see the rock formations and tunnels Saturday.
After breakfast with Coach Wells, it was time for the team to prepare for the game and to ride over to the Greater Zion Stadium and the home of the Utah Tech Trailblazers/Bisons.
Jason and I took an Uber. The older driver said that the town of St. George had grown from a town of 8,000 to a metropolitan city of 200,000 in 70 years. I enjoyed a few of his treats he shared with his customers.
The trip was a joy. Being on the sidelines again took me back to my newspaper days and reminded me of being in Orlando for EKU’s National Championship victory in 1989 and all the years in between supporting the Colonels.
Thankfully EKU pulled out a victory and ended the season on a good note. It was nice to see the coaches and team celebrating their season together.
See you down the road. Many thanks to Doug Vescio for his generosity, friendship, and lifetime support. Thanks to Jason for getting me home and creating another friendship. Looking forward to introducing Doug and Jason over lunch soon. True friends are the best and building relationships make life special.
