As our local sports teams head toward the finish line of their respective seasons, it’s not hard to forget just how different things were one year ago at this time. From Sanders County to professional sports arenas, the silence created by a lack of spectators last season was deafening. Now that fans are back in attendance, it’s easy to appreciate all of the different dynamics that were sorely missed in 2020. Since we are approaching the season of giving thanks, I’d like to point to two recent instances that made me pause and be grateful that fans are finally back in the stands.

Last week the Plains Trotters’ volleyball squad squared off against a tough Anaconda team. It was the first time that the Plains High School pep band had performed at a game in nearly two years, and they did not disappoint. With the pep band providing the tones, announcer Randy Garrison riled the Plains crowd into a frenzy with his pre-game introductions. It wasn’t just the crowd that was pumped up. As each player was announced, they would take their turn sprinting to the center of the court to execute a (very) enthusiastic flying chest bump maneuver with an assistant coach. The joy and smiles that the players showed in that moment simply could not have been replicated last season.

Thompson Falls vs. Mission senior night volleyball matchup provided another chance to appreciate having fans back in attendance. Prior to the game, Thompson Falls seniors were honored one-by-one alongside their family members. The announcer read a prepared statement from each player in which the seniors thanked their families, friends and coaches for the last four years. The moment gave the players a platform to show just how much they appreciated the ones who supported them. Seniors Elli Pardee and Scarlette Schwindt made sure to recognize head coach Sandra Kazmierczak. Schwindt thanked coach Kazmierczak for never giving up on her, while Pardee acknowledged that she would never be the person she was today without being pushed by her head coach. As tears flowed and hugs were shared, it reminded me of how drastically different this scene would have been last season.

Once the game began, it was all smiles for Thompson Falls as they dominated in three sets. The student section was decked out in pink to support breast cancer awareness, which led to some fun moments. One unnamed student arrived in a pink onesie with an imitation rabbit’s tail on the posterior, and Thompson Falls star running back Nathan Schraeder arrived in a pink pajama set prompting the announcer to say “Ladies and gentleman that is Nathan Schraeder in the pink,” invoking laughs and cheers from the crowd.

From the tears of pregame, to the smiles during the game, it was a perfect representation of the emotion and excitement that comes with having fans back in the stands. I’ll be enjoying every second of it as the fall sports season comes to an end, but I’ll also be thinking back to those seniors last year that unfortunately didn’t get their moment. Coming together as a community to root on these athletes in person is such a privilege, one that I think we’re all grateful is finally back to normal -- knock on wood.

Max Poelker wants to talk sports with you. Reach him at [email protected].