The relatability of Senior Nights

Over the last few days, I’ve been at each of Northview’s girls basketball and wrestling Senior Nights, and will be at Clay City’s girl basketball Senior Night next week.

While taking in all of the festivities that go along with that special night, I thought about how many high school student-athletes get to take part in being honored on his or her final home game or match.

And the answer that kept coming to me was – all of them.

Not everyone that plays a sport in high school gets named to awards lists or gets to have a ceremony for a commitment to play at the collegiate level.

But no matter how many years you were a part of a program or how much playing time you receive, when Senior Night rolls around, everyone gets honored.

And on Monday and Tuesday, during Northview’s Senior Nights, that was evident.

Makenzie Barger and Haley Richey (girls basketball) and Noah Minor (wrestling) each were multi-year athletes in their respective sport and were honored for the blood, sweat and tears they poured into it.

As were Zack Brown and Zack Calandrilla (wrestling), even though it was their first year competing in the maroon and black. (Note: Brown was a part of the wrestling program during his junior year, but was unable to participate until his senior year due to an IHSAA ruling after transferring.)

Hunter Toney (wrestling), who underwent back surgery and was unable to wrestle because of it, was also deservedly honored for the time he spent alongside the Knights program over the last few seasons.

All six of the Northview seniors had their chance to walk out onto the court or mat, alongside their families, friends and supporters, and get recognized for all of the contributions they brought, and it was awesome.

It’s an emotional day for all that are involved and brings those that are in attendance back to the time and place when they were being honored on their Senior Nights.

It certainly did for me.