Maine has just celebrated its high school football championships. This conjures up so many memories for me and my days in high school on the football field getting ready for that championship game. I would like to share my recollection with your readers.

In my day, when we played football in November as a high school athlete, we knew we had almost made it in the history books of our school. The state championship was right there within our grasp if we took it. With just shorts and a jersey at our daily routine of practice, each of us could feel the cold air nipping at our exposed skin in preparation for the big game. I remember my teammates saying, “We get to play November football.” We felt thankful, excited and prideful every time we stepped on that field.

All those years ago, I had the opportunity to experience the Class B East championship as a sophomore playing for Waterville when we played Mt. Blue on their home field. After defeating us in the conference game, Mt. Blue went on to win states that year. The thrill of preparing, riding the bus, and knowing we had a chance still lives in me every Thanksgiving holiday.

As I reminisce on my history as a football player, it puts a smile on my face to know that student athletes still get to experience those intense feelings of pride, the adrenaline rush, and excitement around the holidays.

Today’s athletes deserve the coverage on the sports page, and I appreciate the photographers and writers who continue to do just that. Thank you for keeping these athletes in the spotlight during such an impactful time of their lives. I know it meant a lot to me as an athlete to be featured in the paper all those years ago and to this day I continue to enjoy reading about them in the local news.

Bruse Moody

Oakland

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