A full prep season completed in unprecedented times

Back in December, when COVID-19 cases were reaching their highest point, I got a package from my aunt.Like me, my Aunt Sue is a writer. We also have similar senses of humor.Inside the box was a black T-shirt, with four words printed plainly in white letters:"I miss precedented times."It was a humorous rebuke of the oft-repeated phrase "in these unprecedented times..."It was also a perfect Christmas gift.By December, the pandemic had reached nine months. I missed precedented times. I missed a year like any other.This weekend, the Ohio High School Athletic Conference will complete its state tournament. It will have completed all of its sports seasons, something that – back in August – I'd have never dreamed possible.Nine months ago, high school golf was starting. Soon after, practices for contact sports (soccer, football) and an indoor sport (volleyball) got going.All the while, the pandemic raged on. For coaches and players across the state, there was uncertainty.But, as we know, sports happened.I really hope this is the last story or column I write about COVID-19. The last 15 months have been tragic, as the country endured deaths, pain, and lockdowns that stifled schools, businesses and recreation.In the grand scheme, what we do as high school sports writers can seem so trivial.And yet, I think the story of this sports season has been one of resiliency. And that's likely a reflection of our society as a whole.It wasn't an easy period for those in athletics. Teams had games cancelled due to outbreaks. Sometimes, the players didn't know their games were off until they were on the bus.An outbreak on Hopewell-Loudon's football team caused the Chieftains first game to be cancelled. Leipsic's volleyball squad missed two weeks of its season in September. And in the spring, Arlington's baseball team halted its season due to positive tests.But still, teams endured. Hopewell-Loudon – despite opening its football season on Labor Day afternoon – went undefeated in the regular season and advanced deep into the playoffs. Leipsic's volleyball team went on a long winning streak after its layoff and advanced to the regional tournament.Arlington's baseball team responded to its adversity with a strong season, making the Division IV district final. There were plenty of sacrifices made, and some risks taken. I still marvel at basketball officials working for little pay as COVID cases rose in December, and their reward was to often receive criticism from some fans.Athletic directors had to be creative and flexible, scheduling games on short notice.And everyone had to follow guidelines that distanced athletes from each other at the time they usually were trying to become cohesive units.In the end, though, the seasons were an opportunity to see the good in high school athletics.I saw football players from opposing teams help each other up, slap each other on the back and line up again.At the state track meet last week, I saw four girls – each from a different school – rush to help up and embrace another runner who had stumbled across the finish line.High school athletes were really impressive this season, both for how well they played on the field, and how they conducted themselves off of it.It seemed like so many appreciated what may have been taken for granted for decades: the opportunity to compete.Maybe these signs of sportsmanship and kindness were always there – I paid more attention to it this season – but it was still good to see.This sports season will be remembered for so much – good, bad and even strange.I'm happy it happened. But I must admit it will be nice to return to precedented seasons next fall.