The best part of being a sports editor is nominating athletes for all-star teams and this Sunday will be the final Messenger All-County team of the 2008-09 school year.

The Messenger will recognize the best softball players in the county and the Player and Coach of the Year will be announced.

This time of year is the best time because when I was playing baseball the best feeling in the world was when I saw my name show up in the paper. I played for Grissom in Huntsville and it was usually only one line, so I am sure the players who make the All-County team are ecstatic when they see the paper.

I hope each and every one of the athletes on this Sunday’s softball team and last Sunday’s baseball team enjoy seeing their name in the paper and their picture in the paper. I know I enjoy compiling this team. It takes a lot of work, but it is worth it to know that somewhere there will be a young athlete smiling.

This was the first year the Messenger All-County teams spread across the entire year and athletes in the county should look forward to another good year of all-star selection next season.

It is hard to believe football season is right around the corner, but it will not only be the football players who can look for an all-county team next year because there will also be an all-county volleyball team for the ladies.

Here is to another year of excellent sports activity in Pike County.

Matt Nascone is the sports editor for The Messenger. He can be reached at 670-6315 or online at matt.nascone@troymessenger.com.