To the Editor,
As most people already know by now, the last four seasons I have been known as the "Voice of the Raiders", taking over when Wilbur Thornton became too ill to continue. Wilbur did this gig for some 23 years before his health affected his ability to continue.
At this time I have informed the necessary people with the Raiders this will be my final season in the role of radio broadcaster for Raider athletics. I have made this decision on my own accord due to I want to focus more on my work duties and more time with my family.
I knew this position was going to eat up a lot of time and I accepted the challenge but now it's time to step aside and allow someone else to step up to the mic and give it their best. This decision was not based on anything anyone has said to me. Nobody has ever been or given the hint of being negative about my duties with the radio.
I am sure I will be asked about the Bess Family and if they made any hints or derogatory comments about me. I will quell any questions right here and now. The Bess Family is a class act. I think very highly of this family as they have always treated me with the utmost kindness. In fact, I owe Gene Bess for leading me down the trail to know and understand the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior and this is something that can never be repaid.
I have been asked each and every year about Coach Gene Bess and if this was going to be his last year. My answer has always been the same, "You ask him". In my opinion and strictly my opinion, Gene Bess deserves a huge amount of respect from the entire community of Poplar Bluff for his accomplishments through the years. I have visited many other colleges in our travels with the Raiders and there are very few that can display a National Championship banner much less two of them.
Coach and his wife hold a very special place in my heart and always will so I am putting this out there for all to hear and understand, "Do not ever come up to me and speak down about Gene Bess as you will not like the answer you will get from me."
When you speak of Raider basketball you have to speak about Brian Bess as well. Here is man who has been at his father's side for 25 years as an assistant coach. Brian and his family, Kasey, Kolby and Kiley are extremely special to me as well. Every time I hear about some type of tragedy involving students from the high school, I shiver with fear thinking it might be Kiley since she is still attending school. Sure there are other students I also start wondering about but for some reason it always leads back to Kiley.
Then there is Bryan Sherrer who I think is probably an individual who someday will be a head coach of his own and a very successful head coach at that. Bryan is great with the kids and is as talented a coach as he is an individual.
Now turning towards the girls side of the ball with the Lady Raiders. Coach Jeff Walk through the short time I have been there has been ran through a ringer of sorts. He has had to endure Asst. Coaches a plenty but now seems to have a great one in Alex Wiggs. These two remind me of the old Forrest Gump cliché, "Just like peas and carrots".
I see a great future not only in ladies basketball but in the men's as well. The Raiders are a proud tradition and it holds true all the way up to the President of the College, Dr. Wes Payne, another class act in my book. I have always seen him with a smile on his face and a handshake to boot.
Not to leave out Willie Hilburn. Willie is all about Raiders athletics and in my opinion, IS Raiders athletics. He makes the clock tick and when needed he will be there to make sure it all runs smoothly. Willie is not just a basketball guy. He covers all the sports. I do have one question though, I am still trying to figure out what he might do for the Rodeo Team? I am not for sure if he does but it would not surprise me to find out he has his hands in there too. Willie has been a true friend to me and has assisted me the whole time I have been affiliated with the Raiders and for that, I am so greatly appreciative.
I love this program and what it stands for. The coaches from all the teams have had to make some hard decisions regarding player development and who stays and who leaves but these decisions are made with the best interest of not only Three Rivers but for the player/s themselves.
The last person I want to speak about is Steve Shupe. Steve is the Raiders bus driver for the men and has also turned into a true personal friend but a true friend in Christ. I will miss watching him drive the bus and his head just a bobbing to Christian music. I have always said, you will not find a better bus driver than Steve. He can drive and park that bus in spots you could never imagine a bus could go.
Lastly, I want to thank the Raider fans and Booster Club members. The Booster Club has supported me through this journey as well and for that, I also thank you. Raider fans, I do not think there any better sports fans than those who call themselves, Raider Fans. The long road bus trips are great when you look over and see a whole section filled with Black and Gold and there are no other fans for any other teams. I am speaking about when the Raiders played in Rolla for the Region Tournament. It was amazing. Then we travel to Tallahassee, Florida last year and there are Raider fans there. Unbelievable!!!
In closing, thank you all and to the Bess Family, God is Great and I will never forget you. LETS GO RAIDERS!!!
P.S. I am not forgetting the players through these four short years. Justus, Gabe, Cam R., Pip, T, Jeff Porter, Aiden, Ludy, Torrey, Lane & Jake C., and all the ladies as well, thank you as well for your friendships that will last forever.
God Bless you all...
Roger Burton
Poplar Bluff, Missouri