Prep athletes give reason for hope

No, these girls weren’t kneeling to protest the national anthem. Even following an intense McCook Invitaitonal championship game, both Bison and Grand Island Central Catholic softball players took time to participate in a post-game prayer — something seen on many occasions throughout the high school fall sports season. Coaches also participated in the moment of mutual respect.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

People who’ve never been sportswriters have often asked “how can you not love your job?”

That’s a good question but — believe it or not — tough to answer when you’re skidding between two deer on a dark Nebraska highway following Friday night football.

Than another Bambi runs up to hit the side of your car and make its mark in history.

You embrace a 15-degree weather during an eight-man state football title game — until it goes well beyond three hours as the score rises to 72-68.

Taking photos are usually fun until two girls diving for a high bouncing basketball land directly upon you. You stagger, trip and fall down in front of everyone. We’ve all been there when a boss runs over to ask “is your camera okay?”

Yeah, a few Baker Mayfield-like words run through your mind and sometimes they escape lips that suddenly resemble Nebraska Blackshirts.

Couldn’t stop em, boss, sorry about that. My mouth becomes a dumpster fire like Bob Diaco’s defensive schemes again.

Despite all this garbage and my lack of game night enthusisam most weeks, I’ve never doubted love for this job.

I’m constantly thankful for co-workers like colleague Gabe Gauther and photo superstar Steve Towery, who sufferes from bad moods about as often as Cleveland Browns win games.

He understands covering prep and college sports are so much better than following the pros.

That’s antoher rairoader who’s clearly on the right track.

I see class displayed at every level no matter the grade. Bison football coach Jeff Gross mentioned really having no “discipline problems” during another successful season.

I watched eight Bison games from the sideline and certainly could see his perspective.

Sure, there are a few sportsmanlike flags — but not nearly as many as most college or pro games each weekend.

There’s almost none of this pre-game taunting or scuffling or even fists swinging. I watched players line up following every game, and never saw angry confrontations.

Just quiet respect and moving on.

The best part?

Observing players from both teams gather together and kneel in prayer following an intense contest.

I saw it time and again no matter the sport or gender. A great tribute to how the best values are still alive and strong among Nebraska high school teams.

Moments that show there is hope among the onslaught of negativity surrounding our nation.

Moments that give us hope. Moments to truly give thanks.