DOUGHTON: What I’m thankful for in Blue Raider Athletics this year

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — I've sat here at my desk in the basement of the Murphy Center trying to find a way to lead off this column that wouldn't be hopelessly romantic and/or cheesy, but I think I've come to the conclusion that earnest expressions of gratitude will just always come off that way in a modern society that values humility less and less with each passing day.

I think that fact is what makes Thanksgiving all the more remarkable in some ways. That we all pause our lives for a few days, return home (wherever home may be) and give thanks for what we have.

Middle Tennessee Athletics (and you, Blue Raider fans) have given me a lot to be thankful for since I took over this staff writer role this past summer, and in the spirit of the day, I thought it would be appropriate to share just some of what I'm thankful for this year in the Blue Raider world.

There's team success to be sure, like how I'm thankful for the team Rick Insell has put together on the hardwood this season, and their lockdown defensive effort that's kept their first four opponents under 50 points through four games.

Or how I'm thankful for Middle Tennessee volleyball's grit throughout the season, grinding out tough four and five set wins to give the team its best ever finish since the Blue Raiders joined C-USA, with plenty of room to grow for next year.

There's also the beauty to be found in the skills of individual players. I'm thankful for Peyton DePriest's prowess in front of the goal, for instance. Her knack for being in the right place at the right time, her deftness in finishing, and her confidence when her team needs her to convert from the penalty kick spot.

I'm thankful for the way Teafale Lenard Jr. goes up for a rebound, or the way Courtney Blakely crosses an opposing guard. Little things that sometimes show up on a score sheet, but make a big impact in the game.

The character I've come to know from Blue Raiders is certainly up there as well. Like how I'm thankful for Chase Cunningham's resilience in the face of adversity, his commitment to his team even when he was the backup, then the starter, and now just a player-coach as he recovers from a lower body injury.

Or Courtney Whitson taking time out of a press conference to hype up a freshman guard that just went off in a game, getting the program some national attention, sure, but doing it because it was the right thing to do.

There's lots of moments I'm thankful for as well, from DQ Thomas' pick-six against Southern Miss, to Alex Goffi's first career goal clinching the game in overtime for MT Soccer against FIU, to Eli Lawrence slamming home the alley against Winthrop to ice the game just last week. And of course, the Build Blue Now announcement last week, which excited our office for weeks as we went through the planning stages for the big reveal last Monday.

Mostly though, I'm thankful this Thanksgiving for the people of Middle Tennessee that have let me tell their stories over these past few months. From the Blue Raider Hall of Fame Class of 2021, to Richard Kinley, Jimmy Marshall, Donovan Sims, Jordan Ferguson, Taylor Eisert, Reed Blankenship, Aaron Brown, and countless other student athletes, both current and former, who I've had the distinct privilege of interviewing this year.

And of course, I'm grateful for the tremendous coaches we have across the athletic department, who take time out of their very busy schedules to answer my questions. I spend most of my time with Rick Stockstill, Nick McDevitt and Rick Insell, of course, but every other coach I've worked with, from chatting with Jimmy Borendame about his vision for the on-campus tennis facility, to Chuck Crawford teaching me the history behind "Burn the Boats," to Brent Dearmon giving me an analogy using his son's Fisher-Price toy to explain his offense, have been generous with their time and even more open with their thoughts.

I'd be remiss not to also thank the countless people who've helped me get up to speed on the beat this year. My coworkers in the Athletic Communications office deserve special mention, like Mark Owens and Tony Stinnett, who are always willing to help with story ideas and give context to the programs we have, to Matt Posey, who is willing to hear out my dumb social media question ideas. And our intern group I'm proud to be a part of, with Jonathan Caudle, Carson Herbert, Alex Morgan, Braydin Sik, and Grant Swinton, who've all helped me grow in different ways.

And that's not even getting into all the other people who've shown me kindness while out and about on game days and in the office, from Chip Walters and everyone at Learfield, to the Marketing and BRAA offices, to all the other people I've met in the Greenland Drive parking lot, the Hall of Fame Tailgate, at the radio show on Monday nights, and even at Wal-Mart every once in a while. You've made moving to Murfreesboro a wonderful experience.

As you can see, I've had a lot to be thankful for this year. I think we all have after what 2020 did to us. So this year, I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family, wherever they may be. I know you've made every day something to be grateful about for me.

Middle Tennesee State University Athletics

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