My wife and I have lived in the Melissa-Anna area for over six years – 75 percent of our married life. During those years we have changed a lot; I am now closer to 30 than I like to admit, and we have a 6-month-old son. We started here in a small rent house and eventually saved up to buy our first home.

For those of you who have been in the area more than a year or so, you know how much this area has changed. We used to have to go to McKinney for absolutely everything, but not anymore.

Our vet, doctor, groceries and restaurants are all within minutes of our house. It is great, and I love the changes, but this week I noticed that though we've seen lots of change, some things are still so familiar.

Over the past couple of weeks I have stepped foot on the baseball, softball and track fields as a sports writer for the first time in over four years. Most of the students I covered a few years back are gone off to college – some have even graduated college already.

But as I looked over the rosters, heard names announced at the middle school track meet and scanned faces at these events, I noticed so many names and faces that are familiar. Many are younger siblings and cousins of the students I once covered. Faces of parents are so similar. I came to a realization this week after seeing all of this.

I love small town sports.

Now, I know that our community will not stay small forever. But for now, here where we are, we are still small enough that moms and dads remember playing on the fields and on the courts that their children play on now. Athletes can be recognized by answering the question, “Aren't you so-and-so’s kid?”

This all fascinates me.

Like I said, I have a 6 month old, our first – a boy. I cannot wait for the first time I get to stand in the t-ball registration line or go to Academy Sports and get his first helmet and pads.

I see the generational sports legacies being made in the students playing today. Remembering what I saw their older brothers and sisters do and hearing what their mom and dad used to do, I just can't help but smile.

Because I know, here in just a few short years, some one will see my son’s name in the paper or on a roster and say to him, "Hey, aren't you Marcus’ kid?”

I know I did not grow up here, but I have to say, it's a privilege to be a part of the legacy anyway.

Marcus Elliott is the Sports Editor for the Anna News. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .