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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12/5/22)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Do you wonder why the national anthem is played before sporting events and participants and spectators stand at attention?  In the US, the tradition began during World War II as a show of patriotism.

Like many others, I watched last Saturday's US men's national soccer team match with the Netherlands.  Before the match, both country's anthems were played.  As the broadcast panned the US team members during our anthem, I was filled with pride and admiration as each man stood at attention with his hand on his heart, many singing along.  The World Cup is the pinnacle event for our national soccer team, and they represent our country, its freedoms, their communities and families as they stand at attention. Each of them undoubtedly has committed the time, prioritized their sport and sacrificed other things to make it to this level to represent our country.

As a student-athlete you have also committed the time and sacrifices to make your high school team and you have a great deal to be proud of.    When the national anthem is played at your events, you too represent our country, its freedoms, your community and family.  Others are watching you just as I was on Saturday.  I hope they are filled with pride when they see you at your games!

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