This week marks the beginning of the fall sports season for high school and college athletics. You might know it as “football season.” But for me, it’s football, soccer, volleyball, softball, and fall baseball season. And it should be for you as well.
Some of the best stories are happening right here in Kansas City, but not on the gridiron. Stories of perseverance, rebuilding, dynasties, and heartbreak. While all eyes are at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (really, we’ve got to work on that name) even better stories will be playing out at Julian Field in Parkville, Park Hill South in Riverside, Platte County High in Platte City, and countless other fields and stadiums across the area. All waiting for you to come watch.
Last season, I got to watch kids achieve goals and win titles. I also got to watch kids go further than they ever thought they could. That’s the nature of high school and college sports – these kids are practicing just as much and just as hard as the pros. They deserve you to come out to a match or a game or a tournament.
Last season, I had no idea that I’d see over a dozen kids who would be drafted into minor league baseball, or that I would see just as many kids heading to Division I football programs. And you want to talk about crazy? Kansas City is a volleyball powerhouse of the country. Not only do you have Park University’s perennial favorite Pirates, but you’ve also got several top-ranked club teams that spill their talent into local high schools around the area.
There’s going to be plenty to go out and watch this fall in addition to your local Chiefs team, and you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to watch, either. Frankly, if you pay more than $5 admission to most of these games, I’ll be shocked.
And for every powerhouse high school or college program in the area, there are what I call the “Chris Kamler” teams that have horrible records. Those kids need support and love, too because it often takes more courage to go out and get your skulls beaten in by Liberty North than you realize.
Let’s not forget the bands, the flag corps, the cheer squads and the dance teams as well. There’s something for everyone this fall if you just go looking for it.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll hear a voice cutting through the BBQ smoke that sounds like yours truly. It’s what I love about this time of year – so many stories – so many opportunities to lend your spirit and voice. And so many groups to support. Get out there and find a club!
(Get more stories, some of them real, from Chris Kamler on Twitter, where he is known as @TheFakeNed)