It was shipping night on October 7th, 2010— Ross, a 14 year old boy from Germantown, who has been to the club house to assist in basketing the birds for the race was present. This is our big night of the season with many handlers from different clubs shipping out of our club house. He had the responsibility of tallying each bird that went into each race. A big chunk of a sub and a few sodas and this kid was in his glory in the middle of pigeon central. He was as big of a help as the smile on his face. Great kid!
Last night, shipping night for Watkins Glen, our 150 mile race station we had a little guest. His name is Tyler, Charlie Morgan’s grandson. Now 30 years old, I stood there watching this 11 year old boy hang out and swap man stories. I couldn’t help but see myself in him. He listened to everything everyone said and fit right in like he was one of the guys. Tyler handled his grandfather’s birds to go in the shipping carriers like an old pro. One old timer asked, “hey kid how long have you been around the pigeons?” Tyler shrugged his shoulders and smiled, as in saying— since I could crawl. This kid has a great spirit and it’s kids like him that make me hopeful for the sport’s future. I love this sport and I love these kids! Anything I can do to help them, I will!
Today was race day at Levi Loft in Olivebridge, NY. I had a young guest of my own watching the race come in. Wyatt, a 13 year old boy in our community has shown much interest in getting to know the birds more. I enjoyed his company and really look forward to sharing my experience and knowledge with him. The interest and passion I see in these boys is what has carried the sport for the past 100 years and hopefully will do the same for the next 100 years.
