When I think back to my days as a student-athlete at Brooke High School in West Virginia and later as a collegiate hurdler at Fairmont State College, I am struck by how much high school athletics have changed over the decades. From the way teams are trained, to the facilities, to the emphasis placed on athletics in schools, there has been a remarkable evolution. Having spent much of my career teaching history and coaching basketball and baseball, I have had a front-row seat to these changes, and I have a deep appreciation for both the past and the present of high school sports.
The Simplicity of the Past
When I was in high school, athletics were much simpler. Equipment was basic, training routines were straightforward, and the focus was on developing fundamental skills and teamwork. We ran miles on the track, lifted weights with basic equipment, and spent hours practicing the mechanics of our sports. We did not have the technology that athletes have today. No video analysis, no advanced metrics, no GPS tracking. Everything was done through observation, repetition, and coach feedback.
Competition was fierce, but it was also very personal. You played against neighboring schools, often in front of a community that knew your family. There was pride in representing your school and your town. I remember traveling to away games in buses with teammates, sharing stories and building bonds that would last a lifetime. Sports taught discipline, perseverance, and respect, not just for the game, but for life itself.
The Changing Landscape of High School Athletics
Today, high school athletics are a different world. The facilities are often state-of-the-art, with modern gyms, weight rooms, and even video rooms for reviewing game footage. Training has become more scientific. Coaches have access to data and tools that can help measure everything from player speed to endurance to recovery. There is a greater understanding of injury prevention and nutrition, which benefits young athletes in the long term.
There is also a wider range of sports opportunities available. While I grew up playing the main traditional sports like basketball, baseball, and track, students today can explore lacrosse, swimming, golf, and even emerging sports like esports. This allows more students to find an activity they love and develop skills that might not have been available in the past.
The Role of Coaching
Even with all these changes, one thing remains constant. Coaching is still about guiding young people to be their best, both on and off the field. In my years coaching basketball and baseball at schools in Ohio and Oklahoma, I have seen firsthand how coaching can shape character. The techniques and tools may have evolved, but the heart of coaching is still the same. It is about building confidence, teaching discipline, and encouraging teamwork.
That said, coaches today have new challenges. The pressure to win is greater, the media coverage is more intense, and parents are often more involved in every aspect of their child’s athletic experience. Balancing these pressures while keeping the focus on personal growth and enjoyment of the sport is an ongoing challenge for modern coaches.
The Student-Athlete Experience
The student-athlete experience has also changed. Today, there is more awareness about balancing academics and athletics. College recruiting has become highly competitive, with scouts and online profiles playing a major role in a student’s future. In my day, a good season and strong relationships with coaches often led to college opportunities. Now, students have to navigate a complex system that includes rankings, showcases, and specialized training programs.
Despite these differences, the essence of being a student-athlete has not changed. There is still a unique satisfaction in pushing yourself to be better, learning to work as part of a team, and experiencing the highs and lows of competition. These experiences teach lessons that last long after the final whistle blows.
The Influence of Technology and Media
One of the biggest differences between then and now is technology. Video analysis, wearable performance trackers, and online coaching resources have transformed training methods. Students can now study their own performance in ways that were impossible when I was coaching. Social media also plays a role, creating new opportunities but also new pressures for young athletes.
While technology can be a powerful tool, I believe it is important to remember the basics. Hard work, discipline, and a love of the game cannot be replaced by any app or device. Coaches and players alike must strike a balance between embracing innovation and staying true to the fundamentals of sport.
Reflections on a Lifetime in Athletics
Looking back on my career, I feel fortunate to have experienced high school athletics from both sides of the equation: as a player and as a coach. I have seen how sports can inspire students, teach life lessons, and build community. I have also seen how the field has evolved, bringing new opportunities and challenges.
For young athletes today, I would say this: embrace the tools and opportunities available to you, but never forget the core lessons of sports. Work hard, respect your teammates and coaches, and enjoy the journey. For coaches and educators, remember that your impact goes far beyond wins and losses. You are shaping the next generation, and that is a responsibility and a privilege unlike any other.
High school athletics have come a long way since my days as a hurdler and young coach. The changes are remarkable, but the heart of the game, the lessons it teaches, and the joy it brings, remain timeless.