If you even quickly flick through our B section this week, you will see a plethora of headlines noting student success in many athletic arenas.

We have baseball and softball teams advancing in the postseason, as well as golf and soccer teams making waves at state.

We also have a couple of athletic signings and students being selected to all-star teams.

What an amazing honor for Franklin County to see so much success from our high school athletes.

We can’t help but recall this time last year, when fields had stood empty for weeks, bats were quiet, dugouts remained vacant – student-athletes blocked from their passions by a relentless global pandemic.

We were mourning the loss of spring sports and already fearing what the pandemic would mean for the viability of fall seasons.

Aren’t we glad things have gotten back to something close to normal, and our local teams have gotten to enjoy a full season of action?

Our congratulations go to all students who have gotten to enjoy their sports this semester – those who are continuing into regionals and play-off action, as well as those whose seasons have ended. Win or lose, you got to play – and that alone is something we have all learned to better appreciate.