Smith: UGA spring sports

Spring is the time of the year for many sports to peak. Someday, and I feel sooner than later, UGA basketball coach Mike White will have us excited about his team making the playoffs. He will get us into March Madness.

Smith: Erk campaign

Erk Russell had rare and extraordinary leadership skills. Across the Southeast and beyond, hundreds of football players would quickly attest to that.

Smith: Halls of Fame

Halls of Fame are often distinguished more by who they keep out than by who they induct.

Smith: Florida vs. Arizona

Big-league teams are already playing games at training camps in Florida and Arizona. Players essentially report one day and play a game the next. In the old days, the routine was very different.

Smith: Super memories

Georgia’s own Mecole Hardman will be long remembered when Super Bowl histories are recalled. His three-yard touchdown catch last Sunday was not that spectacular as far as spectacular plays go, but what it meant for the Kansas City Chiefs will make him a hero forever.

Smith: The Steg & the coach

The Stegeman Coliseum in winter is now the place to be unless you have a fireplace, firewood, and a TV in your den.

Smith: Charlie Bagby

You probably have to be something of a seasoned historian or a baseball aficionado with a bent toward gleaning the lore of ole timers to recall the father-son pitchers of the Jim Bagby families.

Smith: Taking the high road

After the seconds had evaporated from the scoreboard clock at Mercedes-Benz Stadium a little more than a month ago, I watched Kirby Smart, bitterly disappointed, stride across the playing field with measured alacrity to congratulate Alabama’s Nick Saban on his victory.

Smith: Orange Bowl and spring practice

The Georgia football team, following another head-turning successful season, will have a few days to regroup and begin classes, then segue into winter workouts. Interestingly, it has always been that way, but for different reasons.

Smith: The good ole days of Florida

For years, when visiting a new city, I would begin the trip by taking a Gray Line tour, which was a good way to learn about the city’s history and development. Very touristy, but very informative.