To the senior athletes…
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
Heartbroken.
That’s the only word that comes to mind when I think about high school seniors during this difficult time.
The IHSAA officially announced the cancellation of all spring sports on Thursday afternoon. It’s probably the right decision, and a decision most people expected to eventually come, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
As a coach of a winter sport, I can’t imagine going through this. As a former athlete, I can’t imagine having any season taken away from me, let alone my senior season.
So many athletes have waited for this moment to shine. Some were ready to break school records. Others were counting on this season to help them earn a college scholarship. And others were simply looking forward to one final ride with their friends.
Yes, there are much bigger problems in the world right now than sports- but let’s not forget about all of these kids that deserved to have their senior year.
To all of the seniors who might be reading this… I am truly sorry.
I still have vivid memories of walking off the court and the field for the very last time. It’s an indescribable feeling, to be honest. But walking off the field for the last time and not even knowing it? I can’t imagine how much that stings.
Here’s the good news, and I hope it brings you even a sliver of encouragement: This difficult season won’t define you. It will hurt for a while- maybe a long while. But you’ll move on to bigger and better things in the very near future. These moments will shape who you will become for the rest of your life. You’ll always have this crazy story to tell- and hopefully, this period of time is making you stronger. Maybe this season will make you appreciate the little things in life even more. Sometimes we have to face hard times to truly learn what is most valuable.
The late great John Wooden once said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”
Trust me, I know it hurts. Sports mean the world to me, and I’m missing them like crazy right now. But I know this much: Sports have taught me to appreciate life. They’ve taught me to appreciate my teammates and coaches. They’ve helped me to live in the moment. They’ve helped me learn what it means to stay humble and motivated. And even though you’ve been robbed of your final season, you’ll always have the memories to take with you. You’ll always have each other. And when you get through this, you’ll move on to bigger things- and you’ll be stronger for it.
There are very few joys in this life that are greater than being on a team. Even though you may not be playing any games this spring, your team needs you now more than ever. And whether you’re an athlete or not, all of humanity needs to be on the same team right now. Let’s work together and get rid of this thing so we can get back to doing the things we love.
And to the high school senior… hang in there. Better days are ahead.
