As the final whistle blows, WHBHS seniors are hit with emotions they have never felt before. Sadness, excitement, and memories fill their minds, as they step off the Westhampton field for the last time in their lives.
Only about 7% of high school athletes nationally play a sport in college. For almost all these senior athletes this will be there last time playing a competitive sport. A piece of their childhood is gone. Some of our school’s senior athletes and my former teammates discussed the emotions that hit them after their last games.
Senior Nick Rizzo, who was an all league pitcher for our varsity baseball team, and a great role model. He said, “I mean it’s a little sad to be done because it’s been a part of my entire high school journey, it wasn’t the way I wanted to end things this year, playoffs would have been nice. Getting All-League this year was a nice testament to my time playing baseball here. It made me happy knowing I left a mark on my way out.”
He did leave a big impact on the team, and taught many of the underclassmen a lot about baseball.
Senior Ethan Seltzer, the team’s starting second baseman, said, “The feeling of not being able to go on the baseball field again with the teammates I consider brothers is a feeling that has no comparison. Being able to be a starter on a varsity sport is probably the best feeling ever in my eyes. From the start of the season all you and your team want is a successful season and an outcome you all would want.”
He continued, “Throughout the season, getting the job done or not, you’re always thinking I don’t want this to be over. Especially being a senior knowing anything could happen. Whether it be an injury or a bump in the road, you never know what could happen. Don’t take anything for granted.”
Senior Kevin Smith thought the same, and said, “Playing my last game was definitely sentimental and a crazy experience, I don’t know what else to do without high school sports.” Kevin has been on varsity baseball since his sophomore year.
Ethan agreed, “Stepping onto our home field for our last practice had to be the most bittersweet feeling I’ve ever felt, nonetheless playing in our last game. Emotions are everywhere and not knowing whether to feel happy or sad is a confusion in my head. High school sports are definitely one of those things you can’t forget. The thrill of being able to represent your school in a positive way is awesome and not being able to do that anymore is terrible.”
Lastly senior Riley Miller shared how he felt that his senior sports are over. Riley’s answer was different. Riley will be continuing playing football in college, but his other high school sports he will never play again. He said, “It feels weird never playing high school sports again. Especially baseball, since I will never play again. Football was sad ending the way it did but I’m happy because I get to continue playing in college.”
As these seniors head off to college, they are filled with excitement and fear. They will never forget what high school sports have taught them. As Ethan said, “Once a Hurricane, always a Hurricane.The feeling I have from leaving the team will never go away and I will always remember Westhampton Beach baseball.”
