Column: Trying to find logic in most difficult of times

“Football is a part of life, not life itself.” — Penn State football coach Joe Paterno
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What words can one offer in times of tragedy that really make a difference? Are there any words that can really ease the type of pain felt by those in Banks County Saturday night when the news was delivered that a son, grandson, brother, family member was no longer with us.

I’m not one who can begin to offer any words of encouragement during times like this. I’ve always felt the job is best left to those of faith or leaders in our schools or those who have some experience when it comes to counseling or crisis matters.
All I know is that a young person who had so much potential, so much to offer, so much support from the community is no longer with us. In addition, two of his friends and football teammates were injured in the accident. We are indeed fortunate they weren’t taken from us although the pain we all feel today is still cutting because a funeral was held Monday morning when it was the last thing we expected.

From all indications, Cody Gowder, who died late Saturday evening following a traffic accident, was primed for a standout season on the gridiron this fall. Gowder had been a key participant in offseason workouts and conditioning. His name was mentioned numerous times in articles I had written in recent weeks as the players and coaches worked numerous hours to take the BCHS program to another level.

Gowder’s teammates Bill Redmon and Kane Duncan suffered injuries in the accident but by all reports will recover. All of Banks County is thankful for that today as we try to go about our lives with what feels like an anvil on our backs. Redmon and Duncan are two student-athletes I have come to know quite well during recent years covering the Leopard sports beat. Duncan is a key player for the basketball team while Redmon helped lead the Diamond Leopards to the state playoffs this past spring.

One thing I was reminded of when the news of the accident reached me this weekend is how athletics should always be kept in its proper perspective. While football can certainly help teach important lessons in life, sometimes we, myself included, become too wrapped up in the whole process.

It’s easy to develop a one-track mind and not focus on what really matters.
The truly important things like family and friends are what we need to focus on each day. They should never take a back seat to anything. I can say that’s something that the BCHS football coaches teach their players. It’s a family atmosphere. The important lessons are taught. It’s a refreshing thing to see, almost spiritual in nature.

Today, however, the family is hurting. Fortunately, the family will have each other to lean during this crisis.

Chris Bridges is sports editor of The Banks County News.