Editorial: Student-athletes are proving that rules can be followed
When we look at the last year or so of this virus, one thing that we tend to forget about are the young adults and kids in our school systems. We must understand that for them, especially for the athletes, what they are doing to have the opportunity to play games is amazing.
It almost feels like it is taken for granted at times when the virus first hit. Sports were completely shut down in Virginia. We understand that other states did things differently, especially when it came to playing football. That is a sport that serves as a moneymaker for the athletic department.
Schools not only lost money, but many of us lost hope on what usually was entertainment on Friday night. A couple of hours to get away no longer had it. The biggest obstacle was not seeing an athlete live out their senior season in style on the gridiron, volleyball court, or other venue.
For many, the biggest question was would we get back to a normal state and if we would ever see high school sports back. I can say even though there are no fans being allowed in Charles City and a limited capacity so far for New Kent games, the young men and women have answered the bell. They have followed all the necessary protocols to remain safe as possible outside the confines of school walls to have an opportunity to play. Inside, they have come out and competed in games as if the gyms were completely full.
Their actions and ability to play is directly because coaches are not only getting the players physically ready, but mentally as well. Coaches and athletic directors are preaching to the student-athletes about COVID-19 safety and the consequences if just one breaks the protocol. They are taking everything that is preached seriously and undergoing screenings and checks every day.
As sports start to slowly come back and students start to return to school systems, I can truly say that I am proud of the athletes who set the example of knowing what you want to do is always important, no matter the obstacles in front of you. The courage of getting out there and living out your dreams should also be inspiration for everyone who is ready to get back to normal once again. Even if not all the dark clouds have left yet, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The generation of young people often get a lot of grief and criticized for their behavior. But these student-athletes have shown that they can follow rules in order for them to experience good times once again. It’s time we stand up and applaud them for bringing back some semblance of hope.