Last week was a hectic week as we raced around trying to get pictures and information for our preview of the 2023 high school football season. Talk about a lot of work and running around. We have six teams to cover for the preview, our goal is to gather pictures of the teams, coaches, cheerleaders and high school bands. Once we take the pictures, then we interview the coaches and do our best to put together a nice preseason story on what’s to come.

The toughest part is getting a day set aside by each school where we can take the pictures. We are fortunate to have good AD’s and coaches who are willing to put up with us and work together with us to get it done. Once we have what we need we go back to the office to put it all together and get it ready for print.

This year’s preview will come out on Wednesday, August 23. What we are hoping for is to have the correct schedules, all the names right on the rosters, good articles that tell what to expect from each team, and quotes from the coaches about their views and expectations on the upcoming season.

While football is the talk around most schools and communities, let me tell you there are a few other sports we should note. One of my favorites and a big fan favorite as well is high school volleyball. I am sure that some of the best action in all of high school sports happens right there on the volleyball court. Girls who can dive to the floor, bump back into action a ball, and return to the playing surface to slam one over for a point. Volleyball is a fast sport that requires good conditioning, fast reflexes, timing, coordination, jumping ability, teamwork, and discipline. I’m amazed at how good some of these girl volleyball players really are.

Now,we also have to look at boys and girls soccer, cross country and golf. All three of these sports are not easy. Soccer is by far one of the toughest games in high school sports. It requires top notch physical conditioning and is usually played during the heat of the day. It’s a rugged sport that carries a high probability of injury. Very little protective equipment, and yet a lot of body contact. One needs good footwork, balance, body control, endurance and teamwork to name a few. A good soccer player often makes a good football player as well, especially as a place kicker.

Cross Country is not for the weak by any means. It’s a tough sport where participants run on some tough courses. Sometimes through water, mud, dirt, up hills and down hills. The usual course is around three miles long. Runners must train year round and be in top condition to be competitive. Of all the high school sports, this one brings out the best in individual athletes. While not all are running to win, they all are competing to improve each time they run and to set goals and meet them. It’s a fun sport to watch as they take off in a large group and return to the starting line one by one. There are no losers in this sport. More than half a million high school athletes take part in cross country every fall. It’s a sport that makes you fall in love with running. A grueling 5K race with crazy hills and valleys can help you mature into a well conditioned individual.

Now, let’s look at high school golf. Golf is widely thought of as an individual sport and that’s mostly true, however, high school golf provides an opportunity to compete in a team atmosphere and create bonds with teammates and coaches. It gives kids the chance to compete against other high schools and play in local, regional and state events. You represent your school while learning a sport that will help you grow as an individual and make lifetime friends. It’s a lifetime sport for many who started on a high school team.

Finally, we also support the area bands and cheerleaders. If you are a member of either of these two teams, we hope to have pictures and coverage of your competitions as well. We have great high school bands among our six schools. Award winning bands who compete with the best in the state every year. Our bands put in hours of practice and it’s not an easy thing, it is however rewarding to be a part of a high school band, while learning to play an instrument. It’s something you will have for your entire life. Many of our band members have gone on to play in college and beyond.

Cheerleaders play a huge part in all sports. They train hard, they learn stunts, they practice for competitions, but most of all they lead the cheering sections and students in supporting the different teams. The old days of “let’s go team” are gone. Today’s cheerleaders are well conditioned and trained to bring out the best in each school’s supporters. Good cheering sections led by good cheerleaders have played a big part in successful athletic teams. Get behind your team and support your cheerleaders.

Whatever sports you play, here at your local newspaper we wish you and your team the very best. Work hard at what you do and try your hardest. Play your best, and win, lose or draw you will be a winner. We hope to see you play this fall no matter what sport you are in. With six schools to cover and at least two sports at each school, we will do our best to provide coverage for all. We will need help from the schools and coaches. What we ask is for the schools to send stats from the games and matches to the Wetzel Chronicle and Tyler Star News. Send all stats and pictures to editor@wetzelchronicle.com or rrutherford@tylerstarnews.com

Good Luck to all teams and athletes. Stay injury free!