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The bond between athlete and home town

When you think about a Humboldt born athlete, who do you think of? Is it Brianna Theisen-Eaton, or Lyndon Rush, or Glenn Hall, or William Dutton, or one of the other countless current or former athletes who called Humboldt home? Having lived in Humbo
Christopher Lee
Humboldt Journal Reporter

When you think about a Humboldt born athlete, who do you think of?

Is it Brianna Theisen-Eaton, or Lyndon Rush, or Glenn Hall, or William Dutton, or one of the other countless current or former athletes who called Humboldt home?

Having lived in Humboldt for more than two-and-a-half years, I have seen amazing support for all of Humboldt’s athletes, especially those who moved on in some way, shape, or form. But the truly incredible part is the bond the community has with their athletes, and vise versa.

Last week was another example of that, and while it was not in Humboldt, it was the same idea. I had the chance to go to Wakaw last week to cover Vey Day 2.0, a celebration for Wakaw’s newly minted Olympic bronze medalist, Linden Vey.

The response was amazing, but not just from Wakaw but from Vey himself. He truly seemed happy to be back. He spent time with every person who came to see him and he played floor hockey with a group of kids.

This from a guy who gets a very short window to be home, so for him to want to spend the little time he has with those who have supported him over the years is nice to see.

And while it was Wakaw last week, you truly could sub in any Saskatchewan community.

I got to attend Wendel Clark Day and it was the same thing. The community loved having him home, and he truly seemed happy to be home. I think that’s the coolest thing.

Clark moved away from Kelvington, to pursue a junior career in Saskatoon.

Vey moved away from Wakaw. Theisen-Eaton left Humboldt.  All these athletes over the years have left.

I recently read a tweet from someone who said “you can take the girl out of Jersey but you can’t take the Jersey out of the girl.”

She, of course, was referring to New Jersey, but the concept is the same. All these athletes, you can take them from their home, but you can’t take the home from them.

That is truly special.

So good on all the communities and the athletes for not forgetting one another.  It truly is special to have them home.