As the old cliche states “Back in the old days”, it very seldom applies to people my age. If you’re wondering I am 33 years young. Old to some, young to many but, high school sports just aren’t as prized as they once were in the Kanawha Valley. The consolidation of East Bank and Dupont was the end of an era. I should know. I was a part of it! People filled the stands to see these two teams battle it out on the gridiron one last time. Fast forward a few years, and the sound of cowbells and cat calls can barely be heard in the distance. But, what is it? Have people lost interest? Is the younger generation not into contact sports anymore due to restrictions and regulations dealing with concussions, Is it lack of development with fundamentals at a young age? What is it?
Crowds have went from 2,000 in attendance to easily 200 the majority of the time. Eleven thousand people were lined up to see East Bank and Dupont play their last game. If G.W. and South Charleston combine would it spark your interest? Ask yourself. Even crowds of older folks with zero attachment to the schools have faded. There is talent that lies in this valley. Maybe there are athletes walking the halls with talent that will never be showcased. Is it our education system that keeps them off the field, or drugs, dating, technology, etc.? This valley has become a dead zone for high school sports, and cannot hold a candle to the likes of other states supporting their kids. Some area schools struggle to get enough kids on the field to play, and some are forced to go both ways in football. It was nothing to have 3 to 4 strings of players on each side of the ball years ago.
It all boils down to coming out and supporting these kids. Give them an incentive to be interested themselves. Let them know that while academics come first, there is no harm in earning a sports scholarship to chase their childhood dreams. With the depression statistics strikingly high in this area (especially in younger people) sports can once again become relevant on and off the field for everyone. We just have to take an interest.
Written By: Joshua Petry
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