Letter to the

E ditor Cherishing the memories

Dear Editor: Last Friday, in a rainy Veterans Memorial Stadium in La Crosse, two high school football teams battled for playoff survival. The story line was an intriguing one. Public school vs. private school. Division 5 2021 state champions vs. Division 6 2021 state champions. The best rushing offense vs. the best passing offense. Unfortunately, the Colby Hornets fell just short, 28-14 against La Crosse Aquinas.

The match up was so intense. It was clear that the winner of this game would go on to win the state title game and it felt as if we were watching the state championship game at level 3. As I concluded my remarks to the viewers on the livestream, I felt saddened for the 16 seniors that have brought so much to our season and to the football program as a whole. Afterall, it was their last game of the season.

But once I realized what I was witnessing, I wasn’t feeling sad that it was their last game, but instead that I would be selfishly reaping the rewards of their efforts for seasons to come. As they wiped away their tears of a season that ended, I will find another flourished football program.

As the players turn in their equipment, they are handing it off to the next star running back, lineman or linebacker. When they raised their golden helmets up one last time, they were raising the aspirations of every underclassman, looking at their idol and saying, “that is going to be me next year.” So maybe I need to wipe my own tears away as the football season concludes for these seniors, and instead give them all a “thank you.”

Through all the extra work you did, starting out on JV and making it to Varsity, all the resounding victories you brought us (especially against Edgar), and the sportsmanship you displayed, you further solidified our football program. Not everyone has a Colby Hornet sized football team. Your efforts further strengthen its culture, expectations and inspire more kids to join the program. You helped build a house bigger and stronger.

Even though the season ended with a loss, in reality you gained the greatest victory of all: inspiration and continuation of the program. It was a pleasure and a privilege announcing for you guys and you will be a team I will not soon forget.

Touchdown, Colby.