When UIL made the announcement they were shutting down spring sports, my mind started racing. I had been thinking about something to do for the seniors in case this happened. Well it happened and here we are.

My first thought was how the seniors in the spring sports (baseball, softball, track, golf, tennis and soccer) were going to miss out on senior night. Every sport does it. Chances are you’ve either participated in senior night yourself as a parent or an athlete. If you haven’t, you’ve probably been at a sporting event where the seniors are honored.

You know the drill. Seniors line up with their parents, guardians, siblings or whoever it is that is most important in their life. They walk out onto the field or court as someone reads off accomplishments, goals and favorite memories during their High School career. They let us know what the plans are after graduation and what degree they’ll be pursuing. It’s an emotional time for parents, families and friends as they realize high school graduation is one step closer.

This year, though, several seniors were robbed of that opportunity because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of having senior night, they have to social distance and quarantine. This is where I wanted to help. With the help of East Texas Broadcasting, athletic directors, coaches and athletes from across the Red River Valley, we are bringing senior night to the radio. Although it’s not senior night since it’s going to be done in the mornings during my daily sports report.

Every day we will highlight a couple of athletes from the area and give them the same recognition on the radio they would have received at the game. We will read their names, who they are escorted by, what they accomplished during their high school career in sports and in the classroom and any other information they want us to share about them. This moment is about the seniors.

So, join me on Monday morning as we start our Senior Spotlight and pay honor to the athletes of the Red River Valley.