Thursday was a difficult day for high school athletes when the Minnesota State High School League cancelled all spring sports and fine art activities for the rest of the school year. We all knew that was probably going to happen, but when it was made official Thursday, I felt like someone gut punched me. I felt so sad for everyone involved.

My memory page on Facebook is full of baseball and softball games that I have broadcast the last few years and now I won’t be able to do that this year. On this date last year I was handing out Player of the Game t-shirts to Minneota/Canby softball players in their sweep over a very good LQPV team. It was a sunny day in Minneota. Morgan Hennen broadcast the first game with me and LQPV principle Scott Sawatzky helped me broadcast the second game of the double header. Two of the best pitchers in the area, Brooklyn Nelson of the Vikings and Haley Wollschlager of the Eagles were amazing to watch pitch. I also remember the concession stand ladies running a hot dog over to me during a commercial break. The LQPV parents feeding me after the game and Coach Janet Larson visiting with me on the radio after two tough losses. Minneota/Canby Coach Heidi Boerboom thanking me for coming to Minneota and broadcasting the games and then she handed me a Viking softball t-shirt as a gift. My memory of that day, was how kind everyone was to me. It was a fun and memorable day. What is heartbreaking is that I won’t be able to make those softball memories like that this year! Really sad!

I couldn’t imagine being a parent of a senior athlete, the sadness they must feel for their teenager. I would guess it would be like grieving. I’m not a parent of a senior and I’m having a difficult time with this. When I heard the news Thursday, I first thought of LQPV Eagle Rachel Halvorson a senior and state Class A golf champion the last two years. She won’t be able to try for a third straight championship. Rachel has been at state golf every year since 7th grade and we have taken a picture together in front of the Pebble Creek sign every year. I look forward to that picture with her, sadly, that isn’t going to happen this year. I thought of all the teams in our area, baseball, softball, track and field, golf, tennis. I was thinking of kids that I knew well and that they weren’t going to be able to compete this year. Absolutely heartbreaking.

What can we do about it? The Coronavirus is a very serious thing and we need to be safe. What we can do is move forward, be kind to people, help people, maybe write a note to a senior and his or her parents to let them know you are thinking of them. The same goes for small business owners, farmers, teachers, health care workers and the list goes on. Be kind. Roxie and I have been blessed by some of our friends, just dropping off treats on our front steps. It really puts a smile on your face and makes you feel loved.

Seniors and parents, we are thinking of you and love you!