Stuart Scott: As Cool As The Other Side Of The Pillow
Sports have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father’s influence is apparent, as he loved the competitive aspect in all sports. Though my father was very influential at a young age, my love for sports developed from just a daily routine. Every morning since first grade, I would wake and eat breakfast all the while watching SportsCenter.
SportsCenter began that daily routine. I can remember wanting to learn more about sports, because it was so interesting. My favorite announcer growing up was Dick Vitale. Who didn’t love the Vitale’s gravely, saying, “Awesome with A capital A, baby!”?
Though Vitale gained my interest as a ten year old, another sports broadcaster caught my attention: Stuart Scott. A man extremely well educated, with the ability to take over a room with his distinctive voice.
Scott made watching SportsCenter even more enjoyable. On days where I did not have a game or practice, I would hurry home to watch the after school editions of SportsCenter. Scott’s on screen abilities continued to add to my love for sports. As I grew up, SportsCenter remained an extremely important part of my life. Broadcast Journalism became my life’s calling, despite the fact that so few make it to that level. The Chicago native not only proved he could make it in the profession, but changed the sports watching experience.
Scott was able to use simple catchphrases, which attracted mine and other’s attention to the television. An extremely fun anchor, he became one of my favorites. Scott entertained millions with his fantastic delivery and creativity. He used his abilities to become a successful play-by-play man and a world class host. Scott did it all.
He was the consummate hardworking professional confronting a lot of things, things that were not apparent through a television screen. Scott was a warrior. He battled cancer three different times, and continued to prove to America, he was a special man.
Scott was not only a warrior, but also a teacher. He taught me so much: how to fight, how to work hard, how to believe in yourself and how to live life.
Scott was a brave man, and he will be missed.
I am glad I was able to follow some of the early years of his career. Thank you Stuart Scott, for giving me the inspiration to pursue my dreams. He was “as cool as the other side of the pillow.”
Rest In Paradise.