|
 For the Lincoln Railer Boys Basketball Team in
particular, that joy ended following a sectional semifinal win at
Roy S. Anderson Gymnasium on March 11, 2020. The Railers would not
return to the basketball court until February 2, 2021 at
Taylorville.
Even though there were no parents in the stands and very few
administrators and members of the media that night in Taylorville,
there were student athletes participating on the court and that
brought a new level of appreciation and excitement back to sports.
“The kids are excited to be back on the court,” said Lincoln Railers
Basketball Coach and LCHS Athletic Director Neil Alexander. “They
have something to come to school for and work for. They are back
with their friends doing the things they like to do, regardless of
what sport it is they all have the opportunity to start working
again and at least play some games.”
Emily Paulus, a senior on the Lady Railers Basketball Team, is
grateful for the opportunity to play sports again, not just for the
competition, but for the camaraderie.
“All of us on the team live a super-busy life,” said Paulus.
“Without having sports for almost 12 months, which had never
happened in our lives, so coming back, it was a great feeling to be
back. Being with our team is like being with our family. It is our
home away from home during the season. It was definitely nice to be
back on the court. It was nice to have something to look forward to
after school. At the beginning of the school year we would just sit
at our desks for five hours and then go home, sad about not being
able to practice while seeing all these other kids play.”
It really had to be tough seeing the surrounding
states allow student athletes to compete, while Illinois was still
under strict regulations. Without a doubt it made everyone grateful
for the opportunity when the IHSA finally allowed competition with
strict guidelines for each sport.
“Finally we were able to have practice and we were
definitely grateful to be back,” said Paulus, noting that basketball
is a six-week season. “Sports are something to look forward to
during the day and something to work hard for in school.”
[to top of second column] |
 That excitement has a trickle effect.
“Everybody is a lot happier,” smiled Paulus, through her Lincoln
Railer red and green mask. “The teachers are so happy to see that we
are playing. They love seeing the athletes come to school wearing
the green jumpsuits. The teachers have commented that they wish they
could see us play in person, but they are happy to watch us online.
The atmosphere in school is definitely a lot happier and more
cheerful.”
The excitement just does not end at school. With the return of
sports, there is just a vibe around the community that people are
happy again, even if it is seeing the student athletes compete via
the internet. Parents and grandparents know the athletes are working
hard to be successful.
So whether you are an adult or a student, sports really do bring joy
to everyone.
[Photos by Cindy Biven and Teena Lowery]
|
Read all the articles in our
new
2021 Education Magazine
Title
CLICK ON TITLES TO GO TO PAGES |
Page |
|
Educating
in a most challenging year |
4 |
| A
preschool that is exciting, educational and
engaging |
5 |
| Local
educators creating practical math |
6 |
| The
efficacy of remote learning |
9 |
|
Differences in college education during the
pandemic |
13 |
|
Changing the social dynamics of education |
19 |
| School
resource officer makes positive impact |
24 |
| What's
a dog doing in school? |
26 |
|
Academics and meaningful lessons blended |
31 |
| The
return of school sports |
35 |
| Logan
County School profiles |
38 |
|
|
