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Are We There Yet?

September 15, 2013
Terry Vaughan

It was a Summer tradition in the Vaughan household back in the days when men's ties were wide and roads were narrow.

We would load up the "family truckster" and make the long trek to the Smoky Mountains for a week of fun at a higher elevation.

The problem was that as a youngster, in my mind it seemed to take forever for us to reach our destination. During the long journey, no doubt my Dad grew tired of the familiar whine that eminated from the backseat of our 1970 Ford LTD.

"Are we there yet?"

Fans of the Bradford Tornadoes approached the 2013 football season with a sense of optimism, anticipating that the program would take a giant step toward restoring the glory and tradition of the past.

After 2 games in the 2013 season, the Bradford High Tornadoes remain winless. Football programs are ultimately judged by results on the scoreboard.

So...are we there yet? Obviously, the answer is no.

However, there are signs everywhere along the route that should give Bradford fans hope that the bus is heading toward a fun destination.

In the 37-27 defeat to a talented Ft. White squad, Bradford showed great resiliency, twice overcoming deficits to take a lead. The guys in the scarlet jerseys battled until the final whistle. Two way warriors such as Kiki Ardley and Kenny Dinkins provided amazing performances and left the field with their heads held high. Much progress was made from the thumping the previous week at Baker County.

It is obvious that these young men believe in the program and feel that Steve Reynolds is the right guy behind the wheel.  They know if they embrace the process, the destination will come soon enough.

The long journey to reach the mountaintop can involve a lot of curves, potholes, and impatient passengers in the back seat. Dad always got us there however, and the view was beautiful once we arrived.

Tornado fans may now be questioning matters much as I did during those many long, hot July road trips to Bryson City in the early 70's. "Are we there yet?" "Why is it taking so long?"

Patience indeed is a virtue and while no one enjoys 0-2, we all realize that it is still early in the journey. You can have faith that the guy driving the bus knows where he is going and isn't willing to take risky shortcuts along the way.

When we finally arrive, the view from the mountaintop will be more than worth the time and effort it takes to get there.