COMMENTARY: It's not a goodbye. It's see you later

 COMMENTARY: It's not a goodbye. It's see you later.

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--336 teams fueled up with aspirations of being one of 14 teams playing in the hallowed confines of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Along that treacherous road to Canton, there were roadblocks waiting in the form of a turnover, penalty, interception, big plays etc. that stalled the season of 322 schools who had hopes of playing in Canton. When the five week journey ended 14 teams proved worthy and earned the right to compete for a state title. 

This week, there were two teams that captured back-to-back titles (Avon and Columbus Bishop Watterson), one that is officially a dynasty with their third in four years (Cleveland Glenville), a first-time state champion (Olentangy Orange), one that returned to the throne as an old guard (Kirtland), one longtime power returning to the throne (St. Henry) and one who finally seized a title after coming up short in two state title games (Liberty Center).

But at the same time, let's not forget that Cincinnati Anderson, Shelby, Toledo Central Catholic, Cincinnati St. Xavier, Jeromesville Hillsdale, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, and Wheelersburg also earned the right to be in Canton based on their hard work over the course of 16 weeks.

Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the lights darkened. The football field became empty. The seats were empty. It is that solemn reality that sets in that football season has concluded. 

As Denzel Washington said in the 2002 movie John Q: "It's not goodbye. It's see you later."

I have been very blessed to have covered the state football championships at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium dating back to the 2018 season when #2 Massillon faced #1 Akron Hoban in what truly was the game of the year when both teams were also ranked in the nation and undefeated. That was the only game in which no tickets were sold at the door and other fans were still attempting to obtain tickets at the gates, well after the sold out notifications were placed on the entrances for what became an unforgettable Division II state championship game.

I want to take the time to thank all the educators and administrators of the schools who all competed this weekend for making sure their athletes prosper not just on the field but most importantly the classroom. I also want to thank the coaches who put in countless hours to mold their teams for the challenge of competing for a state title and molding their student-community-athletes for life after football and the wives who stood behind their coaches in times of success and shortcomings. I want to also thank the mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents of the athletes who competed as they purchased the first set of cleats, jerseys, pants and helmets for their athletes who started out as early as kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade.

Most importantly, I want to thank the Ohio High School Athletic Association commissioner Mr. Doug Ute and his staff which features Mr. Bob Goldring, Mr. Beau Rugg, Mr. Tim Stried, and the entire association who have made my experiences very phenomenal year after year with their countless media expertise and insights. In all I just want to thank the entire OHSAA in general, the entire staff.

I also want to thank all the media members I had a chance to meet and chat with over the course of three days. That is always a welcoming sight to meet other media members from around the entire state.

As another high school season concludes for the 54th time, there are many players who have played their last high school game and will graduate from their respective high schools. Some will matriculate on to college and play football for a college or university. Some will go to college and never play the sport again they played for 12 years but work toward obtaining a degree and a job in their field of study. Others will enlist in a form of military government and serve our country. Others will enter the workforce. 10 to 20 years down the line or longer, they will reconvene at class reunions to rehash the memories of their football seasons and playing for a title. By that time, they will be husbands that are married to wives, raising sons and daughters and eventually becoming uncles and the pinnacle of life, grandparents. They too will see their offspring carry on their name. They will tell their children and eventual nephews and grandchildren stories about playing for a state title near the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Saturday night, the lights turned off at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium after midnight. All good things eventually have to come to an end. Saturday was that night after the Division V state championship.

To high school football fans, coaches, players, family members and the entire OHSAA. It's sad the season is over. We will convene again for the 55th annual football state championships. But as Washington said in the movie John Q: "It's not goodbye. It's see you later."

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.