This is 300

This is 300

ON MY SOAPBOX

BY JASON HENNINGTON

This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is not the opinion of the Taylor Press.

We reached a major milestone on “Around the Watercooler” — 300 episodes. There are not many television shows that have hit that number. A few that we beat are “Friends,” “Martin,” “Spongebob SquarePants,” “Seinfeld” and “Bob’s Burgers.”

Like these shows in our episode-count rearview, the content has changed, including the cast of characters and the set. Former sports editor Reagan Roehl and I sat in the break room and talked about the upcoming games. The following week we talked about pending and previous games, which became the mainstay of the show.

We were also able to interact with viewers live, so there was always an element of audience participation. At times, we had different opinions, but we never became a debate show. We have always done our best to bypass politics, and keep the focus on sports both locally and nationwide.

This has always been a platform for speaking the truth.

We have never used the show to bash high school players, but we do speak honestly.

If that means telling players to have class and finish the game and stop trash talking or arguing with refs, we will say it. We also make sure that the players understand that our message comes from the heart and not from a place of hate.

Not everyone likes that, but I think everyone appreciates it.

Regardless of what has happened on the show, even the guy I banned for his insulting comments, the show could not have happened without the viewers. Between guests, sponsors and regulars, we would never have reached 300 without you.

This show has been a true blessing for me as a person and as a journalist. I can’t wait to see where we go next.

I’m going to get off my soapbox now because I’m at exactly 300 words.

“Haven’t you noticed? We’ve been sharing our culture with you all morning.”

— Leonidas, “300”