It’s officially that time of the year again. The winter sports season is drawing to an end, and all the regional and state tournaments are just around the corner. Of course, it makes me happy to hear about our local teams making it so far, but I can’t help but feel a little depressed knowing that all the home games are over and done with. As you may be able to tell from my writing, sports is my favorite beat to cover, and I love covering basketball the most.
There is just something about being at those games with roaring hometown crowds that really builds me up and gets me going. I also love watching our kids compete with such passion and a love for their sport. I’ll miss being able to go to all the home basketball games, or even the Carbon County wrestling meets, to experience that sense of sheer excitement surrounding me from all directions.
Instead of getting too depressed about it, I should probably focus positively on the fact that we have four of our local teams attending regionals and state this weekend. Both Encampment basketball teams are headed to their regional tournament in Lander. The boys play their first regional match up against Dubois Thursday, while the girls play their first game against St. Stephens on the same day.
Saratoga’s Panthers also made it to regionals after Monday’s pigtail win over Southeast, and their first game is against Big Horn this Thursday in Cheyenne. The Saratoga wrestlers are also headed to their state tournament this weekend in Casper, where all nine members of the team will be competing.
I also have to give a shout-out to the Lady Panthers, who, though they won’t be playing at regionals, gave a valiant effort throughout their 2013-14 basketball season.
With all these big events coming up, I also think about what an accomplishment it is for our local young athletes to make it into regionals or state. You can’t experience that thrill of being there at just any time in your life. Something about being only a teenager and getting to compete in huge events such as those has to be quite the exhilarating experience. Sure, our local athletes can play sports and compete in similar events during college, but I have a feeling it won’t be the same type of experience they had in high school. Competing at regionals or state has to make a kid feel pretty important, like they’re really worth something in the world of sports.
I also think about what a benefit it is for our local kids to have not only great parental or school support and encouragement, but also support and encouragement from their entire towns. Every time I went to a Saratoga or Encampment basketball game, I saw the stands nearly filled with townspeople of all ages. From the young parents with small children, to the older folks who have grandchildren or even great-grandchildren, they were all there at the games to support their local teenage athletes.
Pat yourselves on the back, Platte Valley. You’re part of the reason why our great young athletes got as far as they did this season.
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