There is nothing like the smell of fresh mown grass and the sight of freshly painted white lines.

Those are just two of the things that excite me the second Monday of August when high school sports kick off a new year with preseason football and soccer practices. There are also the sights of cross country runners putting in some miles around the streets of our towns and the sounds of clubs striking a golf ball at the local course.

Every sport except for volleyball got things going Monday, either in the morning, afternoon or well into the evening hours.

Volleyball will get its turn on Wednesday. That is when my senses get a triple dose of sensations as the smell of a freshly waxed floor is joined by the sight of the glistening surface and the sound of shoe squeaking when they come to a stop.

One might think as I begin my 36th year as sports editor at Leader Publications, that it would become old hat and I would grow tired of it, but much like a baseball fan whose team never wins the World Series, hope springs eternal each August as our teams begin their question for division, conference, district, regional and state championships.

I can tell you this, that never gets old. And when the day comes when it does get old, it will be time for me to step away from this job that I have loved for a lifetime.

High school sports bring out the best in our communities. Nothing brings people together better than a successful sports team. Our daily troubles and worries melt away as we enter the gate at our favorite football field or soccer pitch. Whatever was bothering us when we arrived at the nearest gym for a volleyball match is forgotten, at least for a couple of hours.

I would also like to remind people that it is also a great time to show your support and sportsmanship for these teams. Please do not ruin the experience for everyone by being “that guy” who loves to scream at the officials for the entire game or because their kid did not make a play. Do not yell at the coach because you think your child should be playing more or should be a starter.

I, like most parents, do not spend much time at practices. That means I would never question a coach’s decision on who to play or how long unless I knew something important like they were injured. Then I would ask the appropriate questions, like how long will he or she be out? What is the injury?

If you do not know how your child practices, then do not expect him to be a starter or get a lot of playing time. How one practices very much dictates his or her playing time. That decision is the coach’s and his or hers alone.

Year after year I cover more than 100 sporting events. And each year I am amazed at what bad sports fans can be. Each year I ask them to look within themselves and become a better fan. It will make the experience of high school sports better for everyone involved.

So, you have heard my plea. Please make this the best high school sports season it can be. Get out there and support your favorite sports team. By doing so, you will be helping create memories that will last a lifetime for these student-athletes.

 

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications. He can be reached at scott.novak@leaderpub.com