My Tribute to John Culver
Some memories elevate ones' life unbeknownst until you start reminiscing; then, you realize the significance of those memories. The memories of John Culver significantly impacted my life even though he may never have known this influence.
I remember John Culver as some people called him, Johnny during my youth spending time with my father at Northside High School in Headland, Alabama. Although, Johnny's favorite basketball player was Kobe Bryant, unlike Kobe as his favorite, so Johnny was my all-time favorite player. As I recalled, Johnny Culver had game as in the lingo of basketball terminology. Like any superstar, you try to emulate his moves on the basketball court while wearing his number. During my high school varsity years, my friend, Elbert grabbed the jersey with no. 14 before I could so I was left with no. 24. At least I had a four in my assigned jersey number because Johnny’s jersey was no. 14 at Northside High School. As I played the game of basketball in high school, I wanted to leave the same impression as Johnny left on his opponent. I tried moving like Johnny. I tried shooting like Johnny. I even imitated dribbling the basketball like Johnny which meant you had to bounce the ball with so much force that you leverage your position against the opponent. When you dribbled with such force you gain a tremendous explosion when you moved toward the basket. When you drove toward the basket with such a forceful dribble, it enabled you to have the advantage while giving you that jumping explosion toward that 10 feet basketball rim. If you watched LeBron who now plays for the Lakers (NBA), his drives to the basket are very forceful. Well Johnny Culver was as forceful and intimidating as LeBron James’ drives in the NBA. Johnny’s quickness never succumb to any level of defeat, and his explosion was always entertaining.
My memories of Johnny’s competitive spirit as well as his love for basketball was my inspiration to achieve the success that I have obtained both on and off the court of playing basketball which provided so many life-long lessons. Memories, the one thing that can never be taken away from us. Make lots of them! (as quoted by Catherine Pulsifer) Therefore, the memories of John Culver, though I assume are many for his family, but my memories of him will last indefinitely. His influence is the foundational drive of my competitive spirit, which I have imparted to my children. Expectantly, my children will pass that same competitive spirit to their children creating a perpetual drive of loving your passion just like Johnny Culver loved playing basketball.
Northside High Basketball Team