"And here we have Idaho, winning her way to fame"

The Gem State's state song is coming true this week in many ways. I'm privy to a few examples, and I'm happy to say that potatoheads are starting to get some noteworthy respect, especially in the sports world.

First of all, we Bonner County potatoheads enjoyed a lot of respect yesterday in the golfing world. Famed golfer Jack Nicklaus came to town to christen his new golf course, the only Jack Nicklaus course in the state of Idaho.

As a result, Annie's high school golf coach, Mike Keough, is going to enjoy plenty of respect in future years with the possibility (Mother Nature willing) that the Idaho Club formerly known as Hidden Lakes could host the state high school golf tournament. Put heavy emphasis on that "Mother Nature willing" aspect.

I also read in this morning's paper that the local high school golf teams will get to use the new course for their spring practices. That's pretty nice of Mr. Nicklaus to include that opportunity for North Idaho potatohead linksters.

Now, how 'bout that Boise lady and U of I grad, Kristin Armstrong, taking a gold medal in women's cycling yesterday! Hers is a great story, especially because her degenerative osteoarthritis drove her from running to biking.

I enjoyed watching the interview with her on last night's Olympic prime time coverage; she seemed like a down-to-earth, rightfully proud lady.

Then, there's Debbie McDonald who trains and teaches dressage in Sun Valley. She's competing in her second Olympics on a mount named Brentina. I belong to an equine writers newsgroup, and some of the writers have commented about what a nice, down-to-earth lady she is. No surprise for any potatohead.

Finally, I heard last night that a Coeur d'Alene High School graduate is makng a difference for the United States Olympic baseball team. His name is Matt Brown, and he's been doing the slugging for the USA. He plays for a Salt Lake farm team in his other baseball life.

I can remember when we first learned the Idaho State song as elementary students at Lincoln School. It was important that we know the words:

And here we have Idaho
Winning her way to fame.

Somehow for a majority of my life, it seemed like the only fame Idaho ever garnered had a lot to do with ridicule because of our hick, country bumpkin, potatohead national image. That's okay because I think most of us are perfectly happy to live up to that image in hopes of keeping the callous sophisticates a little bit skeptical and wary of planting themselves here.

We know that our inherent nature will be validated from time to time when the true spirit and talent of the potatohead will shine forth. And, it certainly is doing just that on the world and state stages this week.

Special note: Speaking of shining, my potatohead daughter has composed an overview of her recent trip to the top of Mt. Rainier. She also hints of an upcoming goal; so check it out at (www.rainiergirl.blogspot.com).