"It might have been."
There
is a larger issue here about "specialization" (when an athlete at an early age
focuses on only one sport) that I could write entire book about but those who
need to hear that message most aren't visiting this website. The people reading
this are the coaches that know every kid in every building across our state who
SHOULD be running track or competing in field events. However, all too often these
athletes we have pegged when they walk in as a freshman will walk out of school
after 4 years and never step foot on a starting line, runway, or in a throwing
circle. This year, those type of senior athletes never had to opportunity to even try.
"For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been'." - Whittier
Fortunately, we don't have to say that about Jalen or Jaden but unfortunately, we will never know who we have to say that about for the 2020 track and field season. Sport has the power to change lives and hopefully they return sooner rather than later.