Grantland Rice - One of the Great Rural Sports Writers

I've always like the work of Grantland Rice in that his writings were "heroic" and "inspirational" as reported in a wikepedia posting here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grantland_Rice

But I always thought he was an urban sports writer. What is interesting to me is that Rice has rural roots. He was born and raised in (at the time) rural Tennessee, specifically Murfreesboro; a city in and the county seat of Rutherford County, Tennessee, United States. "Although Murfreesboro is sometimes considered a suburb or exurb of Nashville, Tennessee, it is far enough away about 35 miles to maintain a separate identity from its larger neighbor".

What influence did the rural setting have upon Grantland Rice when a young boy? We can only imagine his dreams and aspirations. And perhaps journalism offered him a "way out." But people from rural areas really don't want out; we want to escape poverty and bring "the country to the city": i.e. our values, work ethic, and sense of balance to the urban environment.

Rural Sports Writers Association

This blog is dedicated to all those rural sports writers who are commited to their craft and athletics. My objective is to highlight the beautiful craft of "excellence in rural sports writing" and a picture of rural American sports - a fading yet significant part of American history. I will start with my California San Joaquin Valley; specifically Sanger High School Football and legendary Coach Chuck Shidan and then extend my diatribe about an excellent sports writer by the name of Andy Bettancourt; sports writer for the Visalia Times-Delta. Why Sanger and why the Visalia Times? It is because of an epic battle that occured on December 5th, between Sanger High and Tulare Union High School. Since I live in urban San Francisco but grew up in Sanger, I constantly search for excellent rural sports writing to quench my sports appetite. Andy did a great job of wrting about the epic battle. I consider it a luxury when I read a great article. Therefore, I dedicate this blog to all the rural sports writers in America (and the world) who are dedicated to their craft in isolated and rural environments! Keep up the good work and post your comments here. Felix