Alva Review-Courier -

From Press Row – This weekend is one of the toughest sports weekend I’ve experienced as a fan, athletic staff member or media member. It’s not because of a team’s loss – if only that were the case.

As I sit here and type this column in Bartlesville’s Bruin Fieldhouse during the Northwestern Oklahoma State men’s game against Arkansas-Monticello, I do so while sitting along Adam Hooper Memorial Press Row.

Many here in the Alva community remember Adam. For those of you reading this who didn’t know Adam, he was a former student at NWOSU and Alva resident. After graduating from NWOSU, Adam remained in Alva as an employee at KALV, doing local news and sports.

Although I lived in Alva for a short time while Adam was in our northwest Oklahoma community, it wasn’t until we both moved to Bartlesville that I got to know this big-hearted gentleman.

Shortly after starting at the local newspaper in Bartlesville, I attended a football scrimmage at Dewey High School. Upon my walking into the press box, Adam quickly recognized me as a fellow NWOSU alum. With the biggest smile on his face, he promptly invited me to sit by him during the scrimmage to chat and give me the rundown on Dewey and Nowata athletics.

That day, we became instant friends. But as many who know Adam would say, it is ridiculously hard not to be friends with him. Even that may be an understatement.

During my time in Bartlesville and as a sports information director, I had the honor of sitting with Adam as a broadcast team during Oklahoma Wesleyan basketball games at the 2009 NAIA Div. II National Tournament in Point Lookout, Missouri.

His love and passion for the schools and communities he covered was on full display the night the Eagles won the national championship when he broke professional rank and teared up with joy on the air.

My heart broke the day I learned my friend fell ill and ultimately passed away. It feels just like yesterday when I picked up my phone that morning and saw the text. His memorial service was a true celebration of life, with fellow broadcasters, local coaches for teams he covered, friends and family recounting fond memories they had of Adam.

It is hard being here in Bartlesville this weekend and not seeing the big teddy bear walking around Bruin Fieldhouse, greeting all those associated with the GAC tournament with smiles and handshakes. But I know Adam is looking upon the tournament. I know he is cheering on the Rangers, clapping to Ride Rangers Ride and criticizing the officials.

Thank you to the GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt, Assistant Commissioner for Communications Eric Moyer, GAC staff and media for recognizing Adam this week … a man so many loved and will miss.