High school sports: (still) the best deal

Most everyone has seen their entertainment dollar stretched tighter than they could have ever imagined.

Professional sporting events haven't been what many would consider affordable for years. That certainly hasn't changed in the current economy.

But the best news is high-level competition is available just a few blocks or miles from everyone. And it won't force you to tap out your life savings or consider a second mortgage.

High school sports are in full swing once again, from footballl to girls swimming. There will be no shortage of excitement and drama on fields, courts and in pools from now until June.

Sure, for a big football game you might have to park a few blocks away and walk to the field. But it won't cost you $20 to $30 and you won't be sitting in traffic afterward for an hour or more.

So what if the seats aren't padded or the most comfortable? No matter where you are, you're close to the action and not in a third or fourth deck where the players look like ants.

And you can have a hot dog, popcorn and and a soda without feeling as if you just got a three-figure bill at a fancy restaurant.

Plus, you know you're getting an honest effort from kids, who, as many coaches are fond of saying, are playing for the name on the front of the jersey and not the one on the back. You have coaches who put in countless hours of preparation and many who simply volunteer their time because of their passion for sports at this level.

There's a game or event almost every day. And you don't necessarily have to be drawn to the big football or basketball game with the big-time, big-name players.

This Saturday you can see some of the state's best boys golfers in St. Viator's invitational at Old Orchard Country Club. Later this fall you can go see some of the best runners at Palatine's annual cross country invitational.

Maybe you wind up at a neighborhood rivalry soccer match between two teams around .500. It could be a freshman volleyball match or JV swimming meet where you see something special.

Those of us who have been around high school sports for awhile know it doesn't come without its warts. There are certainly side issues that make you cringe - but they usually aren't to the degree you might see from a Milton Bradley.

But for most of us around the high school sports scene this is the best entertainment around.

When it's all over you'll actually still have some money left in your wallet with the same kind of memorable and unforgettable thrills.

mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com