Now that 2017 has arrived, we look back at what 2016 yielded, reminiscing the good times and bad times, the should haves and could haves, and the what ifs.

For several of Marshall County young ladies, one of the good times was the memory of coming together to show support and love to one of the best coaches in Marshall County.

Through online possibilities, numerous young ladies secretly got together to honor Spook Clark. Even though the majority of the women who had the privilege to play softball for Spook live miles away and have their own hustle and bustle of everyday life, they still managed to come together one afternoon to gather around and share stories of the "good times." It wasn't the food and sweet desserts that coaxed the young ladies to come, it was the pleasure of surprising Spook and spending time with him. Spook's previous softball players had a hard time convincing him that "all the fuss" was for him.

Pictures, hugs, stories, and laughs filled the room as each and every former player greeted Spook at the happy occasion. As a former player for Spook, I think I can speak for the rest of the "Spookettes" saying that afternoon doesn't hold a candle to how we could ever repay him for all that he has done for us here in Marshall County.

Spook not only taught the skills of softball, but the skills of life. For some, the skills of driving. He had an old postal jeep and several learned to drive it around on the ball field.

Spook continued coaching even after his daughter, Shannon, out grew the game. He acquired several more daughters as the years went by, and as the ball seasons passed, more team pictures accumulated and can be found on a wall in his house.

How many team pictures? Enough that his late wife, Anna, hired a professional to run a laser line on the wall where all the pictures would be even.

If you are reading this and have played for Spook, don't hesitate to stop by his house where he is more likely sitting on the front porch waiting on someone to wave to as they drive by. It would make his day if you stop and say hello.

Spook Clark, we love you.