Seniors and sports: tragic goodbye or pleasant farewell?

When a sport or activity is enjoyed for many years, it’s always hard to think to an end of the pleasant routine and the beginning of something new that will ultimately put seniors a step closer to being adults with responsibilities.

There’s no doubt that the time involved in the several activities was pleasant, but will it be easy to end the so-much-enjoyed activity? Will it be continued in college? Will there be relief and pride for the commitment and it will be as easy to walk away as it was to walk in?

“Each year I join cross country, not for the running, but or the people that I run with,” said senior Chris Whitener.  “I’m going to try out for college, but if I don’t make it, it’s not a big deal. I can still do a local team. For me, it’s more about the people than it is about the sport though.”

Senior Gabrielle Sceia, who cheers and is part of the drama program, agrees with Whitener.

“It’s important to [be part of teams and groups] to create bonds because you’re surely see those people for the rest of high school, and probably for the rest of your life,” she said. “I’ll probably cry on stage, it’s gong to be really sad.”

And as many will miss the sport, there are some that will be glad to have reached the end of the journey.

“I used to like it, but lately I lost interest in it,” as senior Gary Marva said. “It’s not going to be hard at all to stop playing.”

Senior Matt Holmes agrees with Marva because for him, it’s a chance to spend time doing other things.

“Now I’m going to focus even more on academics,” he said.

As the end approaches, some already have a plan in mind for the future.

“I’ll continue playing basketball in college” is senior Tamera Webster’s plan, but continuing to play a sport in college is not the only option.

“As I’ll be done with school I’ll join a soccer club.” is senior Sabrina Carlamere’s project.

Many look for the immediate future, but somebody looks wide ahead.

“After college I’ll try to become a softball coach,” said senior Emily Hood. “And if I don’t make it, I’ll definitely stay involved by letting my daughter play it.”

It seems that a sport is a huge part of each student’s life.

“It’s going to be weird not having football summer practices,” is senior Matt Porretta’s opinion. “At times it was hard and it might have hurt, but in the end, it was definitely worth it.”

It’s also true that the environment is always crucial for a sport to be enjoyed and to have a great time.

“Football’s a great sport, the people’s amazing, I started because of a positive pressure by friends,” said Matt Jankowski. “the end of the season’s going to be bittersweet. It’s sad because I won’t play again, but I’m proud that I went through with it.”

As always, even this year will slowly end. Everybody handles things differently, somebody will miss the enjoyment of being part of a team, others will be ready to pursue more individual careers. What will become of the relationship with the sport is now in each ones’ hands.