Accolades for Ashville’s athletes have become a given in this column. Every spring, at least a few sign on for scholarships to play at the collegiate level. Records are broken. Precedents are set.

And we are always proud. But we are not surprised. It is much like the University of Alabama football team winning another national championship when Saban was still coach.

But this time, this week, this athlete is different.

Saphira Mostella is Ashville high school’s first female wrestler to go to the state championship. Female wrestling teams were introduced in the 1970s. However, they were not established until the 90s.

This makes Sapphira a pioneer.  She is a trailblazer.

Sports have numerous benefits. They teach discipline, hard work and — for team sports — the importance of being a team player. They are more likely to make good grades, graduate from high school and go to college. They experience better health in the long term as they have stronger immune systems making them less likely to experience chronic illnesses later in life like heart disease and diabetes.

But this isn’t just about sports. It isn’t just about girls. This is a lesson for everyone who’s been told, “You can’t.”  Not pretty enough to be an actress. Not tall enough to be a model. Not smart enough to be on Jeopardy.

Well done, Saphira. Well done on your victory. Well done on the example you’ve set for everyone with seemingly impossible dreams. A precious few of us can say we participated in or accomplished something historic. You can.

If you’ve waited until the last minute, you might still be able to get into Lala’s Valentine Dinner for two. There might be spaces left for Galantine’s Day at Lala’s on the fifteenth.

Have a great week, Ashville. Happy Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget the next holiday for those of you with sweet teeth. Feb. 15 is also known as Discount Chocolate Day. Go early and grab as much as you can!