The ecosystem in which high school sports exist presents few constants, often reminding us just how uncertain life can be.
While sports are frequently unforgiving and can produce shattering emotions, the feeling of success, no matter how little, always seems to serve as an ample antidote. Wilmington-area high schools have had a steady taste of that medicine over the past two years, and although it can be easy to live for the moment, it's not an image we should quickly erase.
From state championship appearances to ending years' long losing spells, I've covered some great moments across the Wilmington area in my two years with the StarNews. Here's why we should stop and emphasize these moments before they disappear.
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Wilmington-area's high school sporting success
Long producing remarkable high school athletes, the Wilmington area has a unique knack for developing world-class talent.
Despite being nearly 200 miles away from Charlotte and 130 miles removed from Raleigh — the state's largest talent-producing sports havens — the little section of Southeastern North Carolina best known for its beaches has served a heaping of talent for decades.
Last summer's MLB draft produced yet another first-round pick, this time from Southport in South Brunswick's Walker Jenkins. The Cougars star joins other notable area stars like Ashley's Alex Highsmith (NFL, Pittsburg Steelers) and Blake Walston (MLB) in making it as a professional.
These athletes have risen in their respective fields decades after legends Sonny Jergensen, Roman Gabriel, and many more area stars finished their high school careers.
Mideastern Conference domain
The Wilmington area's largest high school sports conference, which includes eight teams from three counties, has recently produced some exciting moments.
New Hanover has won state titles in football (2017) and baseball (2018, 2019), while the Hoggard softball team won a state championship in 2019. As this last school year wrapped up, the conference sent more than 10 teams to regional finals and six to state finals, with South Brunswick softball claiming a state championship, the first in 32 years for the school.
The good old days
I often hear about the good old days — the golden era, the period of dominance. Whatever you call it, there's something innately human about longing for what one cannot have. Whether it's sports or just life in general, we have a tendency to reminisce on what once was.
While those feelings are certainly valid, we can also bask in the moment, something I believe the last two years of high school sports success in the Wilmington area have provided.
Not every team or fanbase has to celebrate for the same reason, either. Teams like the North Brunswick basketball squad didn't win a state championship last winter, but they did end a 10-year regular-season losing record curse, earning a playoff win for the first time since 2013.
While success in life and sports is often cyclical, what's almost always certain is our lack of appreciation for what we have. As we gear up for another year of high school sports this month, let's not forget to take an instant to remember the moments of triumph that have made the last few years so memorable.
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