IRON MOUNTAIN — So I was planning on starting in a different place with this column, however, Jim Harbaugh has forced my hand.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Harbaugh was taking his talents to Los Angeles as he continues his quest for a Lombardi Trophy.

While the old Sean would be absolutely furious that he is abandoning the ship after reaching the mountaintop, that’s really not the case. The only thing that concerns me is, could he be running from impending NCAA sanctions? If so, will this title end up being taken away?

I don’t have a crystal ball, but either way, I’m choosing to celebrate the success.

Plus, the Wolverines seem to be ready to hand the reins to Sherrone Moore, who Ohio State has never beaten.

If they can flip the script this season and topple the Maize and Blue, maybe then I’ll panic.

Because long before Brady Hoke and Rich Rodriguez wreaked havoc on the beloved Maize and Blue, Danny Staten and I made the 2 ½ hour trip to Ann Arbor.

It was the first time either of us had been to Ann Arbor let alone one of the meccas of football.

After sweating the outcome for nearly four quarters, it came down to a field goal. Even crazier, Danny and I were sitting in the corner of the end zone that Michigan was kicking towards.

I remember thinking, when this goes through the uprights could I get to that ball?

Although I was positive I could maneuver through the crowd and to the ball’s final resting place with relative ease, that wasn’t in the cards.

Instead, Appalachian State blocked that field goal and tears streamed down my sun-burnt cheeks as they ran towards the opposite end zone.

To this day, that is still one of the worst moments I’ve witnessed in sports but it is now redeemed with Harbaugh holding up the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy.

Now, I have to talk about the success of my favorite team, the Detroit Lions.

Although it’s been a couple days since the Lions incredible Divisional round win, one thought constantly keeps rattling around in my head. … We didn’t forget.

We didn’t forget Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Herman Moore, or their contributions.

We didn’t forget all the hate that people sent our way after the 0-16 season or that Dan Campbell had a front row seat for that pain.

We didn’t forget Rob Gronkowski threatening to retire if he was traded to the Honolulu Blue and Silver.

But most of all, we haven’t forgotten the horrible media personalities, like Skip Bayless, who are still praying for the Lions’ downfall because their favorite teams are trash. So keep that same energy when the Lions shock the world.

However, we know he isn’t capable of standing on his laurels and will backtrack immediately.

But no matter what the outcome of Sunday’s NFC Championship game, it sure is great to be a Lions fan.

Now that I’ve gotten my rant off about my pro-sports affiliations, I wanted to touch on some cool things I’ve seen in the community since my last column.

First, I was in the building as Florence senior William Kelley caught fire and eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for his career.

A few weeks later, I was in attendance as Iron Mountain junior Oskar Kangas reached the threshold in Norway. Then this week, West Iron County senior Danica Shamion added her name to the Wykons’ history books.

Then on Thursday, Norway senior Alex Ortman crossed the mark in front of the Knights’ home crowd.

But they aren’t the only ones who will reach the feat this season as Niagara senior Tommy Martin will also join the club on Friday.

These aren’t the only great moments I’ve been able to witness in my first winter season in the U.P.

If I had to pick one, I would say the top moment for me has been the Iron Mountain and Kingsford basketball game at Mountaineer Gym.

I felt like I heard about it once a week from the first day I arrived in the U.P.

And then the day was finally here.

Not only was it a one-point game when the buzzer sounded, but the energy and noise levels in the building rivaled anything I’ve ever experienced, including firing the man gun on a M1A2 Abrams Tank.

It was one of the most legendary experiences I’ve had in sports and it was because of the incredible community turnout.

Not only was it cool for me, but I can guarantee the athletes will never forget it.

So make sure you’re getting out there and supporting your local teams because this season will be wrapping up before you know it.

If you have a suggestion to improve local coverage or a tip on an upcoming sporting event we might not know about my email is schase@ironmountaindailynews.com.

I’ll see you out there.