In the wake of Sept. 11, college and pro sports games were canceled across the country. In a time of national mourning, games didn’t seem very important. But in the following weeks, baseball and football games served as the transition from darkness back to normal life.
When Virginia Tech shut down all athletic activities earlier this week, I felt it was the correct move. It’s hard to think a baseball game or the annual spring football game carries any importance in comparison to the suffering the campus feels. But as we say this, let us not forget how big college football, the Super Bowl and the baseball World Series were in the healing process of Sept. 11. When athletic events return to their normal schedule, they will play a huge role in the lives of Tech students. It is my belief, and almost my guarantee, that the next home baseball game will break an attendance record. There is something about sports that is calming and natural. When the lights are turned up on the court or the playing field, it’s a whole other world. Everything on the outside is momentarily forgotten.
In time wounds heal, and horrible moments in time are remembered and honored rather than just mourned. The healing process begins when life seems as if it is going back to normal. The next time the Hokies take the field for a baseball game or a softball game, all things will begin to be all right in Blacksburg. The events of Monday will never be forgotten, but with the restart of sports, it’s a start in the healing process.