Maybe this year …

High school seniors are a special breed, particularly if you’ve been with them for a spell.

I’ve covered several groups of them over the years, many of them with their own story and personality.

The first I vividly remember was the Class of1995 when I was in Taylor as they were the first to have a Homecoming King. The young men campaigned for the top spot as hard as the ladies did and when Matt Maruska was named, the flood gates opened above and we ended up getting more than six inches of rain that night.

I’ve gotten close to some groups of seniors than others. The group of 1995 and 1996 seniors that won football state titles in Thorndale, going 32-0 in the process, was one. I swallowed a lot of Gatorade with that bunch and had a camera or two ruined as well.

I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

They still meet every year or two and have invited me down for some BBQ, beer and reminiscing. I’ve been there once or twice and miss those kids, who now include a pediatric surgeon, the owner of three restaurants and countless others.

Since the 90s, my seniors who have found success on the athletic field have dwindled. I haven’t seen a State semifinalist or a regional final for that matter since 1999. The furthest I’ve gone with anyone is three rounds before sent home.

Do I l care about them any less? Of course not.

I still wish I could get a senior team shot with one my teams while they’re still playing. I used to do it all the time with the kids but I guess I’ve lost my nerve of asking.

I guess with Senior Night being this evening at the football game it provides another reminder.M sports parents will hopefully remember dan the road and maybe we can get a quick shot of the kids one of these days.

We’ll get it done.

That’s about it for this week. As always, thanks for reading.

See y’all down the road.