What a difference a year makes!

“Wait till next year,” is the often-repeated sentiment of sports fans whose teams didn’t perform up to expectations. Next year always does seem to roll around, but in an appreciative retrospect, ‘this year’ has it all over last year when it comes to the sports we all enjoy, and the celebratory atmosphere we enjoy when watching or playing the same.

For the past 14 months, cancellations, postponements, and continued government edicts have ruled the roost as we’ve battled the unwelcomed COVID opponent. But as Monday’s Memorial Day observance rolls around, restrictions are being eased as both indoor and outdoor venues will be permitted to open their doors to near 100% capacities. Memorial Day has long been viewed as the unofficial start of the summer season, and this year provides a happier time for all.

Lest we forget, the purpose of the day is meant to honor the men and women who died serving our country in the U.S. military. The observance was originated in the years following the Civil War but didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1971. As we go about our activities next Monday, let’s take the time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, fly the flag, and be kind to one another in this time of societal unrest.

Over the years, Memorial Day and sports certainly go hand-in-hand, with so many events packed into the course of the three-day holiday weekend. Major League Baseball teams will be completing the second month of the 162-game season, with most playing before capacity crowds for the first time since 2019. The NBA and NHL playoffs are in full swing, although NBA TV viewership has declined by 19% in recent months. Racing fans will welcome back the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, and several hours later in Charlotte, the Coca-Cola 600 will receive the green flag.

Locally, the Williamsport Crosscutters have begun their maiden season as a member of the new MLB Draft League and will be hosting the Trenton Thunder with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch.

Scholastically, the spring sports season has seen a return to a full schedule of games for nearly all the area teams. There have been some COVID-related difficulties to deal with. Still, for the senior athletes, ‘this year’ actually did take place, unlike the 2020 seniors who saw their last opportunities to play high school sports taken away.

Congratulations go out to the St. John Neumann baseball team and the Montgomery softball team for Mid-Penn Conference championships seasons. The Golden Knights achieved the most wins in school history and will be playing for the District 4 Class A championship this Friday. The Lady Red Raiders have ridden the right arm of junior pitcher Faith Persing and a consistent hitting attack in their quest for a District title.

Baseball and softball squads at Loyalsock and Montoursville have continued their on-field excellence leading them to the playoffs, as have the Montgomery and Hughesville hardballers that have qualified for the past post-seasons 15 of 16 and 12 of 13 times, respectively.

Two of the most impressive performances have been turned in by the Lady Millionaires and the South Williamsport baseball teams. Coach Chase Smith’s Williamsport softball team is rolling into the playoffs with a 15-1 record entering the season’s final week. The deep and talented team has played in every district final game since 2012 and is poised for a deep run this year.

On the south side of the river, veteran coach Casey Waller saw his first season at the helm of the Mountaineers wiped out last year. Still, after previously leading Loyalsock to their first state championship and Hughesville to their first District title, the Waller-way has guided the Mounties to an outstanding season. The Blue & White have won the last two District 4 Class A titles and advanced to the 2019 state semifinals. Entering the season’s final week, the Mounties posted a 14-3 record that included the Backyard Brawl championship with wins over Loyalsock and Montoursville.

Individually, there have been some outstanding performances turned in by area tennis, golf, and track athletes, perhaps highlighted by Williamsport senior Tre Taylor. The 2019 state medalist in the 300 hurdles missed the season’s first two months due to injury but made his season debut in spectacular fashions in the PHAC league meet winning four events; 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 200, and the long jump as he prepares for what he hopes are some awaiting bigger prizes down the road.

While this year’s Memorial Day outlook is brighter than last’s, let all continue to mark our observances with caution and safety. Enjoy those backyard cookouts and corn hole games, but above all, pay your own personal tribute to those brave men and women whose personal sacrifices make this and all days possible for all Americans.

Happy Memorial Day!