End of a Chapter-Not the Book

No one wanted the season to be over. Not the fans, band, cheerleaders, parents, players, and especially, not the North Hall Trojans Senior players.

Some say, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, but how you play the game." I'm sure that's not how the seniors felt after playing their last high school football game last night. These young men are leaving behind one of the most memorable and important chapters of their lives.

You might say, "What's the big deal? It's only high school football?" If ever there was a time when we need high school sports for our young adults, it is now! There are too many inappropriate, dangerous alternatives luring children in the wrong direction these days.

In this cynical, superficial, pessimistic time we live in, it is heartening to see young men playing sports not for money but for their school/ team pride. Both sides playing hard and showing enthusiasm, character and sportsmanship-all traits which will take them far in life after high school football.

Through high school sports, school administrators, coaches and parents have a unique opportunity to work together, to model or "teach" motivated athletes the value of cooperation, respect, integrity, responsibility, fairness, communication, caring and good citizenship in the game of sports and life.

As winners of three of the past four region titles, the NTH seniors have made history and memories on and off the field. Last year's team played in the Georgia Dome during the state Class AAA semi-finals.

I feel certain that each of these young men will go on to do great things in his life. Whether or not that involves playing football, who knows? But I do know that the values and character they have developed through the opportunity and privilege of being a Trojan will give them a head start in the right direction.

I wish them all the best.