There have been many things that I have been dragging my feet on this summer, including what to write my final column about.
Well that time has come, and despite what many have thought during the last few months of maddness, this summer has flown by for me.
Back in March it seemed inconceivable that students wouldn’t be in the classroom and on the sports fields come August, but as days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, the uncertainty grew as the days heated up.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hang in the balance, but nonetheless, it’s mid-August, our local students are back in school, and Monday begins what I like to call one of three 6-week sprints that high school sports gives us.
Things will look different. The schedules may not be normal, but athletes will get the chance to compete for the first time since early March.
Incoming seniors that watched last years seniors lose their final seasons in the spring. Juniors that are ready to make that big jump. Sophomores that are eager for a varsity chance. And freshmen ready to make their mark on high school athletics.
I want to take this time to wish each and every area athlete, coach, and team a best of luck not just this fall, but all school year long. I know you’ve worked hard, and prepared for the upcoming season. And it is an honor to cover your games, and tell your stories. I hope that the seasons go smoothly, that you stay safe and healthy, and get a chance to succeed.
For some of you, this season is about reaching goals and setting records, for others it’s about filling someone’s shoes, and for some it’s about getting that first crack at varsity — but know that you are all important and we are all cheering for you.
Best of luck to all Crawfordsville, Fountain Central, North Montgomery, and Southmont athletics.
I also want to take time to thank a special individual as we enter an unprecedented school year, and he enters his 20th year as Crawfordsville’s athletic director.
Bryce Barton received a district AD award last school year, and has helped make the transition of high school athletics during the pandemic a much smoother process for all involved.
Barton, along with Fountain Central athletic director Jason Good, North Montgomery AD Matt Merica, and Southmont’s Aaron Charles each go above and beyond in helping give their student athletes the best chance to succeed.
I believe our local schools’ success and first-rate athletic facilities to be a direct reflection of their hard work and dedication to making this area of the state one of the best for high school athletics.
Jared McMurry was born and raised in Montgomery County and is the Sports Editor of the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at jmcmurry@jrpress.com and by phone at 765-918-8656. Follow him on Twitter @jaredmac26
