Cheering in the press box by journalists is unprofessional and absolutely prohibited at many sporting events throughout the country.
I've broken that rule a few times lately and I blame young people like Maddy Prough of Bentonville and Sarah Hulsey of Rogers for my behavior. The reason is simple. After 32 years as a sports writer, I still get excited and even misty-eyed when I witness athletes doing extraordinary things.
It happened on April 27 when I watched Prough pitch a perfect game and strike out 19 of the 21 batters she faced in a 1-0 victory over Rogers High. It happened again on May 2 when I was almost jumping up and down watching Hulsey circle the bases after she hit a game-winning home run in a 6-5 victory over Bentonville West.
That drive to center field came on Senior Night in Hulsey's final home game.
"When I got to the plate, I was hoping," Hulsey said with a big smile minutes after being mobbed at the plate by her teammates. "I will never forget this."
Me neither, Sarah.
Most of the high school spring sports came to an end in Fayetteville this weekend with state championships decided in baseball, softball, and soccer. Sports writers and photographers from this newspaper fanned out to record the action.
Check out the celebration pictures by the Siloam Springs boys and girls soccer teams, who each won state championships, and tell me those photos don't bring a smile to your face. Or, how can you not stand and applaud the softball team from De Queen, which overcame adversity to win its first state championship?
The tight-knit group won for themselves and De Queen coach Tracy Nealy, who's dealt with much tragedy in his personal life. He lost his father, an uncle, and his daughter, J.K. Nealy Hornsby, 28, who died of a seizure shortly after De Queen's first game in March.
"My daughter would come to our practices and she was a big part of getting these kids motivated," Nealy said. "She was like a big sister to them. These girls, all 14 of them, have been my rock all year long. Not just mine, but my family's. They're special, special kids."
For the high school seniors in particular, I hope your hard work was rewarded with a state championship. But there are no losers, not really, when teams advance to the state finals and get to play on the University of Arkansas' sports facilities.
So, what now?
Only those student-athletes can determine the future for themselves. But whatever is in your plans, seniors, I know you won't soon forget this ride that began when you decided to go out for the team.
I didn't see you then, but I know who you are and I know what you did.
You went out in the cold in January and February to practice when others sought warmth. You loaded onto the bus and played games in weather conditions more suitable for duck hunting. You got out of bed each morning and did what was expected of you without excuse.
The lessons you've learned from being part of a team -- teamwork, responsibility, sacrifice and punctuality -- will serve you well after you leave high school.
This journey is over, the work is done. You'll sense it when you return to school this week and realize there are no more practices or games for which to prepare. You'll know it for sure when you turn in your uniform for the final time.
It's a revolving, end-of-the-year scene where hugs and tears replace cheers and high-fives.
"It's been an amazing four years," said Jordan Gartman, a four-year starter and two-time state champion with the Bentonville High softball team. "I love this program and I feel so blessed to be a part of it."
Gartman will continue her education and softball career at Missouri Southern, where she'll make new friends and provide more highlights on the field. But that senior year at Bentonville High will always be special for her.
So, I say to the seniors in the Class of 2017, congratulations and thanks for sharing.
You've warmed the hearts of so many, even those of us who watched from the press box and admired your work.
Sports on 05/21/2017