As the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic have come and gone, all sports activities remain on hold with the future uncertain.
For high school senior athletes, the last year of prep sports has been cut short.
With no school meetings on the docket until April 5, still one week away, the window for the last school athletic season is closing quickly for these student-athletes.
For those senior baseball and softball players who were hopeful of gaining a college scholarship, the future looks more unsettling. March and April are usually the prime time for these sports, and the recent pandemic and events are robbing young futures.
With no way to control these events, young people are left hopeless in many cases. I cannot help but think that this might have been their last shot at receiving college sports scholarships.
I am speechless as to what advice I can offer those kids in this case. The only advice I can offer is to pray and be hopeful.
Over the course of the last two weeks, I have spoken to every high school coach in the area. The response from each was the same. They were worried about their kids who have worked so hard to accomplish so much.
They feel as if these youngsters have all been robbed of opportunity.
In the coming days and weeks, state and school athletic boards will meet to discuss the matter at hand and the future of athletics. The future is uncertain, and everyone’s best interests are in mind, especially our youth.
I have read mean and disrespectful posts; I have also witnessed miracles and people banding together.
As Christians we are taught that everything happens for a reason and that we should trust in God. We are taught that you do not ever question the Lord’s intent, that you should trust.
It is hard to keep on that path in times like these.
I can only imagine the thoughts that rush into the mind of a young person who is trying to earn a way into college.
At one time I was one of those. It’s not easy, and you steadily work to get there.
When an unforeseen event such as this arises, everyone switches into panic mode, including me. As a victim of anxiety, I struggle to see the good in bad situations.
I constantly worry about situations that I cannot control, and the coronavirus has taken its toll on me as well. I worry about my family and my wife on a constant basis.
Pumping gasoline while using baby wipes and hand sanitizer is a challenge.
A few weeks ago, I was zooming from business to business in search of advertising, without a care in the world, other than what my job required. I was attending sports games on almost a daily basis and getting into the heart of baseball season.
I was rooting for ECHS to gain some wins, for EA to continue providing excitement, for JUB to take a championship, and for the girls of ACS to show what they are made of.
Now, all that has ended without warning.
The only message I can give to high school athletes at this time is to stay safe, pray and be ready to excel and achieve your wildest dreams. Life will always throw curveballs.
During my senior year in high school I had plans to serve my country in the United States Marine Corps. I enlisted, trained and was two days out from departing for Parris Island, S.C., when I was involved in a horrible car accident. I was mad at God, mad at myself and mad at the Marine who came into my hospital room and explained that my dream had ended due to my injuries.
I was no longer fit for duty, and after eight months of brutal, tearful, painful and intense workouts, my dream had vanished. Later I came to realize that it might have saved my life. I more than likely would have ended up overseas and could easily have returned home in a coffin.
It took six years for a friend who is a preacher to beat the idea into my head that God has a plan for each of us.
Remember: Your sports dream is not necessarily over.