Those are the aspects of this vocation that make fans of all things sports approach a reporter and say things like, "Man, you have the best job in the world."

And they're right, it is fun — though sometimes it can truly be work, believe it or not. A reporter can't just sit back, drink soda pop or beer, depending on the venue, and yell comments at the officials, and he can't just decide he's bored or frustrated with the game and take a nap or go to the concession stand to get some popcorn.

It's also fun to learn interesting historical facts that come to light in the pursuit of a story. Just Tuesday as I was wrapping up a story on the possible formation of a Moriarty High School Alumni Association, I learned that Moriarty High's first-ever day of school was Sept. 14, 1916.

In a little over six years, the Pintos will celebrate their 100th anniversary. Makes one wonder — was their moniker the Pintos even back then? Answers often just create more questions.

Telegraph news reporter Lee Ross and I had been calling all kinds of folks trying to find out when the school was founded. The initially received guess was 1962, but that was when Stanley High closed and consolidated with Moriarty to form the current district.

Our editor, Rory McClannahan, ended our fruitless flailings by pulling out of his handy-dandy office library a book on the history of Torrance County. And there it was, not on the almighty Internet, but in hard-copy black and white. I love it when books beat the World Wide Web.

In order for folks like you and me to enjoy the games, matches and meets of the fall high school season, the athletes have to prepare. Those preparations are usually all work and no play, though the Moriarty High football team will travel to Estancia to meet the Bears and Valencia in a 7-on-7 scrimmage today at 6 p.m.

EHS will also host Mountainair in a 7-on-7 on Tuesday at 6 p.m. And the Pintos will hold their Night of Champions weightlifting exhibition at John B. Salvo Gymnasium on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Official practices

But back to the hard-work part. Per Moriarty High Athletic Director Joe Butler, here are the Pintos' fall sports schedules for the first week of official practices:

Football: Preceded by mandatory team meeting, Tuesday, 7 p.m. in the main gym. Then for the following week (grades 9-12) — Aug. 9-11, 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Aug-12-13, 6 to 7:45 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m.; and Aug. 14, 8 to 10 a.m. For info, call coach Bob Allcorn at 463-3559.

Volleyball: Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to noon (grades 10-12), 1 to 4 p.m. (grade 9); Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to noon (grades 9-12), 1 to 4 p.m. (grades 10-12); Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to noon (grade 9), 1 to 4 p.m. (grades 9-12). For info, call coach Kim Bell at 281-9808.

Cross Country: Aug. 9, 11 and 13, 4 to 6 p.m. (grades 9-12), Aug. 10 and 12, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. (grades 9-12). For info, call coach Stephanie Anaya at 818-9708.

Soccer, Boys: Aug. 9-13, 7 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (grades 8-12). For info, call coach Jordan Allcorn at 980-5668.

Soccer, Girls: Aug. 9-13, 8:30 to 11:40 a.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. (grades 8-12). Snacks and breaks will be provided. For info, call coach Larry Denniston at 517-914-3840 or assistant coach Valerie Luker at 270-7382.

Cheer: Aug. 9-13, 4 to 6 p.m. (grades 9-12). For info, call coach Kyra Garton at 250-0274.

Dance: Aug. 9-13, 8:30 a.m. to noon (grades 9-12). For info, call coach Taña Chavez at 220-6023.

Season openers

Cross Country: Del Norte Invitational, tentatively on Knights' course near Piedra Lisa Park in Sandia foothills, Sept. 4, 9 a.m.

Football: at Bernalillo, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.; also a formal scrimmage at home against Santa Fe St. Michael's, Aug. 20, 4 p.m.

Soccer, Boys: at Aztec, Aug. 24, 4 p.m.

Soccer, Girls: host Los Alamos, Aug. 26, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: at Manzano, Aug. 31, 6:30 p.m.

Harold Smith can be reached at 823-7104 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .