The spring season brings longer evenings, fresh grass on the fields, and the thrill of games under the lights.

While the names on the jerseys may change from year to year, the excitement and traditions remain—basepath dust still flies, spikes still dig into the track, and the stands echo with familiar cheers. Many have told these stories before.

In the 1950s, “German” Clower signed off as Sportingly Yours. B.R. Dunn continued in the 1960s, and in the 1970s, Harold Garber’s From the Press Box became a familiar heading for local sports. Later in the early 1980s, through the mid-2010s, Tom Hencke carried on this work with Erin Camp taking over sports in Section B of the newspaper around 2017. Contributors such as Mike Chipley write “Chip Shots,” and Ann Harrison wrote about games set underneath those Friday Night Lights.

Currently, contributors are Dave Rogers, Clay Fritz, Erin Camp, and TIffany Hess, along with many parents and grandparents who also support this tradition. Each of these voices has played a part in shaping the community’s sports narrative. While these were different eras, each writer took the same seat.

We also can’t forget the many photography contributions over the years—from Tonya Rohrbaugh of County Charm Photography, to Victoria Saville of Sweet Lemon Photography, to Madelyn Johnson, the PHS student photographer. Their willingness and skill continue to help bring these moments to life.

As this brand new Spring season begins and every new name enters the lineup, we remember the groups who came before—teams that set standards and created moments still remembered today. In that spirit, now it is this group’s turn to contribute to the ongoing story

This year’s Spring Sports Preview, a new initiative, will spotlight the teams, players, and storylines that will define the coming months. From a softball program aiming for another deep run, to a baseball team seeking consistency, to a tennis team with a fresh face, and track athletes pursuing faster times, each sport shares the same goal: compete, represent, and leave it better than you found it.

And as always, we will be there to cover every moment, both big and small.

Just like always

— Tiffany Hess, Grant County Press Sports