Simmons Superlative - Best Moment

When it comes to the Superlatives, sometimes there isn’t much rhyme or reason. Much like the WCSA Radio Show – or the Simmons Says show – my columns can be full stream of consciousness, and I get to thinking of what a good idea would be and put it out there before I’ve even considered what it will look like at the end.

Hence, “Best Moments.” It’s great in theory, but harder to execute in reality. Why? It relies heavily on my memory, which is sometimes hazy by the end of a long school year.

For top athletes, I can scroll back to all my writing and usually come up with concise lists of contenders for each Simmons Superlative (I probably had 20-30 more kids who just missed the cut this year). Catching a “Best Moment” can be harder. The best ones would need me to be there to fully understand what it meant and – try as I might – I’m not at every Warren County sporting event each year.

All that is said before you also take into account “Best Moment,” could be the most subjective of all the Superlatives I do. I said from the start these are all my lists and I ask nobody else to weigh in, but even if there are people who quibble with some of my rankings or call bias on others, it’s hard to argue with state medalists, state qualifiers and district champs getting extra praise.

(Another quick tangent: Is it getting to where everything I do needs a disclaimer that it is my opinion? The WCSA one is funny – and needed. I like to think people would understand Simmons Says columns and the Simmons Says radio show are ways to express my opinion and my opinion only.)

Backing up what I think is a “Best Moment” isn’t as easy. There are no stats to point out or medal stands separating a sixth-place finisher from a runner-up. I welcome anybody to add their picks for best memory in the comment section – you may be right and I’m sure people will want to read your thoughts too.

As for mine, let’s get to the list. 

Templeton getting one final bucket

Aaron Templeton has the quintessential Pioneer during his time at WCHS. He started off trying to forge his path and build his game as a freshman, stepped into a bit role as a sophomore, became more of a vital cog as a junior and was looked at as a leader by his senior year.

Everything was going to plan until AT took a funny step at Cannon County and his knee buckled. In that moment, the Pioneers lost their PG for the season and AT probably thought his playing days at WCHS were over.

Well, Danny Fish made sure he wasn’t going to have his last memory as a Pioneer in uniform be getting carried off the court in Woodbury. On senior night, Fish devised a plan to get AT back on the court, sending him out and under the basket to take a layup in the first seconds of the game.

Even better, Templeton took the pass from Maverick Smith, the team manager turned assist machine on senior night (OK, that’s an embellishment, but he did get the helper on AT’s layup). In every way, coach Fish handled senior night perfectly and Templeton got his well-deserved ovation from the Charlie Dalton Gym crowd as he (gingerly) walked off the court to hugs from teammates, opponents and his head coach.

I’m glad to hear AT will be getting a shot to play at the next level. He’s truly one of those great student athletes that you’re rooting for well after they turn in their uniforms in Warren County.

Odineal battles back in sectionals, medals at state

Jakoby Odineal showed the heart of a champion on his path to a state medal, proving true toughness isn’t just about skill on the mat but the determination to fight through adversity.

Odineal, who is going to be a legend on the mat at WCHS after making his second trip to the state tournament as a sophomore, faced obstacles which would have sidelined most. During the week of sectionals, he was battling the flu, missing crucial practice days. On the day of sectionals, he learned of his grandfather’s passing and, in the semifinals, he suffered a serious elbow injury leaving him essentially wrestling with one arm.

Down 6-1 in the blood round, Odineal didn’t flinch—he found a way to pin his opponent and punch his ticket to state.

At the state tournament, Odineal's warrior spirit shined. He upset a sectional champion in the first round and gritted through matches with his injured elbow, ultimately finishing sixth and earning his first state medal.

Odineal’s story is a reminder: real champions never quit.

Saldana getting second in the state

This almost feels like a re-run of my other Simmons Superlatives, but I don’t want to skip over a cool moment for a star WCHS Pioneer.

Luke Saldana may not have walked out of MTSU with the gold medal slung around his neck, but let’s be honest: second place in Tennessee is nothing to scoff at, especially when you’re launching 10-pound shotputs like they’re paperweights.

I wish I could’ve saw Saldana actually throw in competition this year (Yes, another subtle way of me saying build a track in WC) because from listening to everybody, it’s a must-see event anytime WCHS competes. I’ve heard tales of crowds gathering before the big man spins and fires, letting out of a battle cry every time the shotput goes into soaring into the atmosphere and crashing back to Earth.

I’m hoping Saldana gets what would obviously be the Best Moment in his young athletic career next spring. I want to see him take one more step on the podium and bring home gold.