BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Every year at Bethlehem’s Celtic Classic, the cheers of the crowd and bagpipes fill the air for the U.S. National Highland Games Championships.
“These are the elite of all the Highland competitors,” said Jim Morrison, co-field marshal.
You could say Morrison and Chip Montgomery are the elite of all field marshals.
The two and their team have made these championships happen for more than 20 years.
“We take care of the Highland field here, so we fill in the holes, set up the cages…put the flags out,” Montgomery said.
“We all work together, and we make it happen,” Morrison said. “That’s the best part of it.”
Both men have decided to retire from their posts after this year.
“It gets in your blood. It really does. It’s like the two years I was off, I was like, I miss it, and I want to go back,” Montgomery said.
They have seen a lot of familiar faces over the years — from fellow volunteers to competitors.
“It’s great to see these guys again, and we’re always happy when they come back because that means they’re still at the top of their game,” Montgomery said.
They all share bonds that are inseparable.
“It’s like a family here,” Morrison said.