So I’ll try not to make this the Lou Gehrig luckiest man on earth speech, but for the past year I have been truly blessed.

While working here at The Observer I have seen some amazing athletic feats and some of the most beautiful country this state has to offer.

Last week I was offered the sports information director position at Eastern Oregon University, my alma mater. It was an opportunity I could not pass up.

UNDER CENTER: Union’s Sam Fiorito prepares to hike the ball during the East’s team practice at Eastern Oregon University. The Shrine Game will be held in Baker at 1 p.m. Saturday. - Observer photos/BARRETT HENDERSON

Joseph’s Grant Marcum, Elgin’s Clint Predmore, Union’s Sam Fiorito and Nick West of Imbler are participating in the 57th annual East-West Shrine game in Baker City.

POISED AND POSED: Brian Bell outlasted Ricky Gloria for the La Grande Country Club gross championship Sunday. The Observer/PAUL HARDER

Brian Bell and Ricky Gloria can attest that sometimes it is.

Both golfers squared off Sunday at the La Grande Country Club for the club championship Sunday in a 36-hole match.

GATHERING FOR A CAUSE: Members of the community will hold a banquet and auction Aug. 15 to help benefit the La Grande High sports and activities programs. Observer file photo

After two months of work, that thought will come to fruition at the Blue Mountain Conference Center Aug. 15.

The event is a dinner and auction to raise money for the La Grande High School athletics and activities. Oregon National Guard 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry has stepped in to help sponsor the event.

GOOD TRY, NO SCORE: Tavis Stockdale of Portland and Jarred Thomas of Ellensburg, Wash., get a no-score in team roping at the first day of Chief Joseph Days. - Observer file photo

Jason Stewart, the Royal City, Wash., native who spends his summers in La Grande, won the all-around cowboy title. He collected $3,344 after finishing near the top of the steer roping and team roping standings.

PORTLAND – The La Grande 9-and 10-year-old Little League baseball team finished third in the state Saturday with a victory in the state consolation game.

La Grande fell to North Bend Friday 11-0, which kept La Grande out of Saturday’s state championship game.

“North Bend hit the ball well,” La Grande manager Kraig Jacobs said. “We just couldn’t get a hit. Elias (Siltanen) did well on the mound for us. We didn’t make the plays.”

CONNECTION PERFECTION: Tyson Wicklander of Union County connects on this pitch from The Dalles during Union County’s 10-6 loss to The Dalles at Optimist Field. Observer photo/PAUL HARDER

The Dalles used a four-run sixth inning to defeat Union County, 10-6, in the North Oregon Babe Ruth state tournament.

“It seems like that one inning is getting us every game,” Union County manager Shaun Cederholm said. “It hurt us bad this time because it ended our tournament.

JOSEPH — After the first- day jitters, the riders at the 64th annual Chief Joseph Days began to dazzle at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena Thursday.

The highlight event of Go Round 2 might have been barrel racing. Six riders all finished with a time under 18 seconds and are within half a second from the top time.

Alex Robertson and B.J. Campbell were the first to collect money. The pair finished in the top spots in steer wrestling and won $889.51.

The Observer/BARRETT HENDERSON

Already at 1-1 in the North Oregon state tournament, Union County could not afford another loss and play a top team from the National Divison.

Unfortunately for Union County, it was a must-win game for Hermiston as well.

POWER TO THE PEEBLES: Steven Peebles of Redmond holds on during his bareback riding second place finish first round score of 79. After the first go-round Shannon Miller of LaLuz, N.M., leads with an 82. - Observer photos/BARRETT HENDERSON

And Tallman was right. Wednesday night’s large crowd was treated to an excellent start to the Chief Joseph Days.

The main grandstands were full along with most of the far side bleachers at Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. The atmosphere was one-of-a-kind. The aroma of the burgers supporting the Joseph education system just blocked out the animals enough.