Wiemers, Cherry excel

For those of us who knew Chris Wiemers when he was growing up in McCook, the PGA Championship Golf Tournament was a thrill to follow through television and newspaper coverage.

Chris, who embarked on a golf career after graduating from McCook High School, did himself proud at the PGA, shooting a 73 (one over par) the first day and achieving the honor of having the fewest putts (22) on any golfer in the field.

Chris did not make the cut, shooting four over par the second day. But he did finish ahead of 27 golfers and, in the process, gained some lifetime memories. These in-cluded playing a practice round Wednesday with John Daly, Pat Perez and Jason Gore.

Chris' two oldest children, who accompanied him on the round, got to meet the long-hitting Daly and get his autograph.

Gary, Barb and T.J. Wiemers, Chris' uncle, aunt and cousin, attended the PGA at Medinah, located near Chicago, and enjoyed it immensely. While there they saw Gary Lucas, also of McCook, who was in Chicago to visit his son, Tracy.

This was the second straight PGA appearance for Chris, and he's going to be taking a shot at qualifying for a third time. Qualifying rounds will be next year in Oregon, with the 2007 PGA tournament set for August in Tulsa, Okla.

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Once again, the McCook Bison football team is getting lots of pre-season attention. After compiling a 50-2 record in the last four years -- including two state titles -- the Bison are rated second in predictions for the 2006 season by the Omaha World-Herald and Huskerland Prep.

I had a little fun with Huskerland's editor, Bob Jen-sen, when he called last week to ask if the Gazette would again be the local outlet for sales of Huskerland Prep's pre-season report. "Sure, Bob," I said, "but what's the deal about you rating Beatrice ahead of McCook."

He squirmed a little, trying to explain it was only his opinion and he could be wrong. I agree, Bob, you could be wrong. The Bison are loaded again, and by season's end could have the Orangemen seeing Red.

In Bob's defense, the World-Herald also rated Beatrice Number 1. But the World-Herald did give the Bison good coverage, with a full page picture of Josh Cherry gracing the front of Omaha paper's western editions on Sunday.

I was talking to Dick Trail about the picture of Josh at George and Peggy Pearson's 50th anniversary reception Sunday afternoon. "I bet a lot of girls have Josh's picture pinned on their walls," Dick said.

No doubt, the girls will, and so will many other Bison football fans. Josh is a kicker, tackler, pass protector and newly named quarterback for this year's Bison team. As a recognized talent, Josh already has a full ride athletic scholarship to Kansas State University in his possession.

The excitement is building. Bison fans can hardly wait until the 2006 season begins.

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One last note. I continue to be amused by the population signs on the east and west sides of Wilsonville. I noticed them again Friday when traveling to Southern Valley High School to get pictures of the Eagles' football, volleyball and softball teams.

I spotted the sign on the west side of town going down. No question what it said. I checked it twice: WILSONVILLE, Population: 190. Then, coming back, I took close notice of the sign on the east side of town. It said, and I'm not making this up: WILSONVILLE, Population: 136. Hmmm. I wonder what that's all about. You'd think, after all these years, that the 54 difference in population totals would not only be noticed, but changed.

But, what the heck, it's more fun this way and who does it hurt, anyway?