As we celebrate the holidays, a look at how athletes provided a gift for all of us

Segerstrom High School football players gather after a conditioning workout in October. (Photo courtesy Segerstrom Athletics)

Commentary:

We could spend a lot of time talking about what was wrong about 2020, but we’ve got some other thoughts to share.

We do want to remember the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who have tragically lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic and the many more who are fighting it. We remember their families, too.

And we want to ackowledge our brave nurses, doctors and first responders who are working under extraordinary pressure to help so many.

But in very tough times, like 2020, many others have stepped up too and provided plenty of inspiration.

Among them are the high school and college athletes who have continued to work hard and prepare for what they hope will be the eventual return of athletics. At this time, no one really knows when this will happen; case numbers will likely have to improve for sports to start up in 2021.

But these athletes who have already lost so much and gone through so many highs and lows, have already won. We see them on social media lifting weights, running, conditioning ….. doing what they need to be ready. And supporting each other with positive attitudes.

Inspired by their dedicated coaches, who want sports to return too, they have set an example for many of us to remain focused, even in times of adversity.

Coaches have had to deal with informing athletes about rulings regarding practices. One day they’re working out; another day, their practices are haulted. The coaches have had added responsibilities, like doing temperature checks for 50 to 100 players, before conditioning drills. We haven’t heard one of them complain, because they want the same for their athletes and they love what they do.

The coaches have had to learn more technology, often leading team meetings on Zoom. Again, no complaints from them.

In the spring, after sports were cancelled, coaches couldn’t meet with their players, but they did everything they could to recognize their efforts. Many organized drive-by events, going by homes of each player to make sure they were recognized.

Parents, who want the best for their daughters and sons too, have gone through challenging times too.

We know you would love to see sports return in 2021; we wish we were out covering sports and hope that when conditions allow throughout the county we are able to and continue what we love to do. We want that especially for the athletes, the coaches, the parents and all the fans.

Through it all, OC Sports Zone has been blessed to have the support of our partners: Crean Lutheran High School, Lockwood Retirement Consulting, Santa Ana Unified School District, Santa Ana College, Courtclean and athletic booster clubs at Woodbridge, Portola, Northwood, Irvine, University and Capistrano Valley Christian High School. With their support, we are able to continue to provide our website free to our readers and we appreciate their support.

Our team is small, but it’s dedicated and we believe in our communities. The team includes Gabriel Calderon, our co-founder who superbly handles a number of responsibilities, including advertising and social media. Fernando M. Donado, a talented and dedicated photographer, has capably assisted us from the start in July 2018 and we’re grateful for his efforts. Both Gabriel and Fernando both have long-time ties to the communities we serve.

We’re also fortunate to have talented free-lance photographers Jim McCormack, Mark Bausman and Jim Tomlin contributing outstanding photos for us.

Most importantly, we want to thank you, our readers, who have continued to read our site in 2020. Thankfully, our readership has remained solid and we’re optimistic about future growth.

Sports is just one part of the larger story and needs to be kept in perspective. Sadly, there continues to be much suffering due to the pandemic. We are hoping for better times ahead for all in 2021.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays to all!