Mr. & Mrs. Gossett Job Well Done
By Karl Hawes
If someone were to ask who I would want my nine year old son to emulate within the White House sports scene it would be a difficult task. I have met many outstanding kids in my years covering sports in White House, so asking me to choose would be like asking a parent to pick their favorite child.

There is however, not a doubt one kid at the top of the list signed with Carson-Newman College last week. For those of you who have had the good fortune to be acquainted with Matthew Gossett should have no problem understanding why I feel that way. The rest of you have truly missed out on an exceptional kid.

Being one of the best kickers that I have seen on the high school level and being an honor student are only a small part of his allure. It only takes a few minutes of talking to him to recognize he has a great head on his shoulders and you would be hard pressed to find a more positive and respectful young man.

Being on the sidelines during most White House football games you can learn a lot about the players. Matt takes pride in doing a good job and is always there to lend encouragement to a teammate.

He always has smile and kind word for everyone he meets and has a gift for taking the time to listen and to care about the young kids that look up to him. As a parent of a future White House football player I can assure you that little extra bit of kindness means more than he will ever know.

There are many athletes who can be “Mr. Everything” on the football field and then come off and be arrogant, self indulgent people who do not have much else to offer the community. Matthew Gossett is the total package and his parents should be commended for a job well done.

I am sure Coach Porter has filled Carson-Newman in on what kind of football player they are getting and of his character and work ethic. I just hope that they understand and appreciate what kind of a person they are gaining next year.

One thing is for sure, Gossett will make the sidelines and community better wherever he is playing, whether it is White House or Jefferson City.

My only hope is that there were some other kids on the sideline learning from him and will now carry the torch.

Knowing a little bit about Coach Porter and the emphasis he puts on character, my suspicion is that many will follow the same path and that is something I look forward too.

As always, thanks for reading and if you have comments, questions or suggestions you can reach me at whsports@gmail.com.