Getting ready for back to school…sports, that is

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

I never thought that I would ever utter the words "I am really excited for school to start." I was just never that kind of kid, and although I enjoyed college, I enjoyed summer much more. But, for the first time in my life I am looking forward to school starting. And no, it is not just because I don't have to go. I'm simply excited about covering Bigfork High School sports. I think we have a lot of teams, and athletes, with a lot of potential, and there are a lot of interesting stories among them as well.

I have spent the summer watching the coaches and teams prepare for the new year, and then last Monday it all came together when practices began. I was surprised to see how many kids turned out for each sport. I found it especially inspiring to see the number of guys that have signed up for football. The community has put a focus on improving that program, and I can already see a difference from the stories I heard about the size of last year's team compared to what I've seen this year. The enthusiasm about the sport has grown community wide as well.

As much as I never want to return to high school, attending practices and talking with the coaches and players does make me miss it a little. But I think that all things considered I'm pretty glad to be writing about it rather than living through it again.

I remember the two-a-day practices and the extra time it took up on top of my school work. But participating in sports and activities in high school is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sure some kids will go on to play for college teams, but for the most part this is the only opportunity people get to compete on a team for multiple years together. Better yet, a team with a history, rivalries and past players and coaches watching in the stands.

Sure there will always be pick-up games of basketball and beach volleyball tournaments with friends, but the kids that participate in high school sports create lasting memories and friendships, and in a small town like Bigfork, a little bit of celebrity too. Even today when my friends and I talk about people we often reference the sports or activities that they were a part of. High school is just a small fraction of a person's lifetime, and in the end most of it doesn't mean too much, but the amount you participate seems to have a lasting affect on you and those you went to school with. You really do get what you give in high school.

But from my calculations, Bigfork doesn't seem to have trouble convincing its youth to get involved. Considering how many kids I saw that turned out for fall sports, I'm guessing nearly every student is participating in something. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it has to be close.

I think that is wonderful, and it is something that not one of those student athletes will regret. We all know that sports teach kids about teamwork and time management, and all that good stuff, but it also gives them life long pride. Heck, I still have my lettermen jacket, and every time I move I have to try it on and have a good laugh with my friends.

I may be on the sidelines from now on, but I am just as excited as I was in high school for the first big games. I am eager to meet the rest of the athletes and watch as they compete in their sports of choice with the passion and intensity I have already witnessed.