I may hardly seem possible, but high school sports are starting to kick off their 2016-17 seasons.

The fall sports teams began practice just over a week ago and some teams are beginning action this weekend.

Each year brings new hope for success.

But we ask fans not measure success just in wins and losses.

Instead, judge your favorite local sports team by the quality of play and whether or not it is improving game in and game out.

As a society, we are taught that winning means everything.

Fans can get caught up in that notion and forget that these are not professional athletes or successful college athletes.

These are just high school students, many of which will never move onto the next level.

So instead of holding these teams to a standard they cannot possibly reach, let us just enjoy each sporting event and support your favorite team with everything you have.

There are valuable life lessons taught during the course of a sports season.

We would hope that fans help make those lessons positive and not create a negative atmosphere by yelling at coaches and officials.

And like each new season bringing hope for success for each and everyone of our teams, we are hopeful that the fans will help make this the best year yet.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.