I figured I would try this column thing out on a weekly basis from now on. My goal is to try and relate it back to sports in the Lake Country area, or things happening in the sports world.
So, here we go. This week was the first day of classes for most schools in the Lake Country area, which means fall sports are upon us, despite the fact it’s still summer.
I’ve been making my rounds all summer by visiting schools and covering summer camps, but now is when the real fun begins. I enjoy live competition more than watching teams take batting practice or participating in 7-on-7 drills.
I think most players, coaches and parents would agree with that sentiment.
Regardless, the school year seems to come faster and faster every summer.
When I was in high school, we didn’t begin football season until mid-August. This week, there are several football programs statewide that will have their first scrimmage on Friday. That is wild to me, especially because this is the first week the GHSA and GISA are allowing teams to engage in full-padded practices.
As far as softball goes, two local area teams— Lake Oconee Academy and Gatewood—are having their season openers later on in the week. On the other hand, Morgan County scrimmaged North Oconee High School on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, all the Lake Country area volleyball teams—LOA, Greene County, Putnam County, Gatewood, and Morgan County—have been prepping all summer for their respective seasons and each will begin their 2022 slate shortly.
Most of the crosscountry teams in Lake Country have been working since the start of the summer on their times. Now, as the temperature heats up, they will be looking toward setting new personal records as their seasons begin mid-August.
We are now in the thick of it, but I’ve been anticipating this part of the year since early June.
As I mentioned, the summer moves very fast, but for sports, there’s not much to cover. So, when (blank) hits the fan, it’s as if I am running like a chicken with its head cut off trying to cover different things. Luckily, I have a little help this year.
I know this took longer than a minute to read; nevertheless, I appreciate you taking the time to read my first sports column. I hope I didn’t miss a fall sport.
This school year is going to be great. I am thankful for all the kind words given my way from parents, faculty, staff and students about the work we do.
I enjoy my job and intend on going more in-depth this fall with profiles on the students and coaches in the area. Sometimes we can’t get to every single event, but if you have a story, please reach out. Because I would love to tell it.