Jambor

According to an article published by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation in high school sports in the U.S. reached an all-time high of over 8.26 million for the 2024-2025 school year.

Being a high school athlete is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From your first practice all the way through the end of your playing days. The good times are the best, and the bad times are the worst.

At least that’s the way it seems, at that age.

As the winter sports schedule winds down for the year, those participating in spring and summer athletics are envisioning what their season will bring and hoping the work they have put in will pay off.

Those who had their winter sports season end are likely still reminiscing and wondering what they could have done better to help extend their team’s season.

Watching the conclusion of the Alpena Wildcats varsity boys’ basketball season had me reminiscing on my high school career. I played basketball and football during my playing days and I will never forget that final loss in either sport.

After 23 years, it still stings a bit.

For basketball, my final loss came in the sectional semi-finals of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) tournament in West Bend, Wisconsin against Hilbert.

The loss was particularly heartbreaking due to the fact we were coming off of a district final where we trailed by 10 points with two minutes left in the game and came back to win the game, 60-57, in overtime. My team, and the entire gym went crazy when the clock hit zero.

My high school football career did not end with such dramatics, we got our rear ends kicked 45-20 against Poynette high school.

I was a wide receiver and also played cornerback. Despite the way it ended, I can still envision the locker room after the game. I am man enough to admit, a lot of guys were emotional, and I was one of them.

Speaking for myself, I never really thought about the end of my high school playing days when I was younger. I was always more focused on what I had to do to get better, so I could make an impact. When that final whistle sounds, it all hits you like a ton of bricks.

As a sports reporter, I want all the local teams I cover to have outstanding seasons. I detest having to talk to a coach right after their season comes to an end. Why? Because I will never forget the way that feels and for a coach, it must be just as tough.

Coaches build unique relationships with each one of their players and when their career comes to an end, it’s emotional.

Despite the heartbreak that comes at the end, I am willing to bet many of us who participated in high school athletics would love to go back, even if it’s just for one game.

I know I would.

Regardless of how your team did in any particular season, you invested your time, your energy, and that counts for something, regardless of the win-loss record.

Special moments are made possible because of high school sports. Like earlier this hockey season, when Peyton Weir, the only girl on the Wildcats hockey team, scored a goal and the Northern Lights Arena absolutely erupted when the puck hit the net.

Despite how her career plays out, I’m willing to bet she will cherish that memory for the rest of her life.

Anyone who participated in high school athletics has their share of memories they will cherish always.

To all the local coaches and athletes, enjoy the journey while you can, and soak up every moment. To the parents and fans that support them, you are appreciated.