Covid has stolen so much from all of us.

I received a call tonight (March 3) that our schools are going “virtual” until March 15. One of the outcomes from this is ending the varsity basketball season.

To begin with, the varsity season has consisted of just 12 games. Period. No gyms full of cheering fans, not even their parents could come to watch them play, no playoffs, no trip to Augusta, no chance to win a Gold Ball. A mirage of a season, almost there but just out of reach.

The guys knew this before the season began and yet they embraced the process with zeal. They dealt with all the restrictions that were thrown at them. Wearing masks and goggles at first, needing to socially distance, no locker rooms or showers, BYO water, etc. They pressed on and overcame.

Now let’s talk about the seniors. There are three of them and they have all put in untold hours to improve their bodies and basketball skills.

When Ben Pearce, Sullivan Rice and Kaleb Ames arrived in high school their bodies were very different. Ben was tall and lanky but thin, Sullivan had pipe cleaners for arms, Kaleb needed to get stronger. Well, they changed that by long hours in the weight room moving tons of weight, literally. They ran a lot … Kaleb, in particular, spent hours banging the roads of Southport in all kinds of weather. Oh yeah, they shot and shot and shot and honed their jumpers and ball handling.

When you see these men now they are ripped, rugged and earned every muscle. They were ready to show where they stood in the pantheon of Seahawk Nation. This was also taken from them.

And now one final gut punch ... the rest of their season is gone, poof. Just like that it’s over, like air leaving an untied balloon. The mirage disappears.

Oh, and by the way, there is no reset button, no mulligan, no do over. This important part of their high school life is simply gone, stolen by Covid. I hate Covid.

Nevertheless, know this, men: many people know the work you put in and care deeply for you. We (I) will remember you always!

Love ya guys.

p.s. I was looking forward to calling the Seahawks final game on BRTV, Channel 7. Another thing stolen! I was also going to announce on that broadcast that after years of calling Seahawk hoop, I am hanging up my headset. I have been honored to be the voice Seahawk basketball. Some, I’m sure, will be thrilled to hear this news! To those of you that enjoyed the games and have reached out to me, thank you.

Go Seahawks!