Months of hard work paying off for Chase Co. students

It’s the post-season for high school fall sports and teams from Chase County Schools are making some good strides, putting this area on the map. Winning crucial contests this time of year is a testament to the hard work our young athletes have been putting in for months, and really, year-round.
Likewise, our FFA chapter is at nationals competing, as well.
    Our girls’ cross country team showed that a move to the larger Class C division this year wasn’t going to keep them out of the state meet. After competing at the state level last year in Class D, the Lady Longhorns qualified again this year in the more competitive Class C. They represented their school well last Friday at the state meet in Kearney.
    Despite a tough loss to Ogallala last week, the Longhorn football team will be on the road Friday to its first playoff game in Pierce. Despite missing the district title, their strength of schedule helped hike their wildcard points, getting them into the playoffs for the first time since 2016. We wish them well as they head to Pierce, a very familiar opponent for Chase County.
    Then, on Tuesday this week, the Lady Longhorn volleyball team claimed the C1-11 subdistrict title with a big win over Gothenburg at North Platte High School. That means they advance to Saturday’s district finals, or sub-state as some like to call it. A match win Saturday will punch their ticket to the state tournament the following weekend.
    And, let’s not forget our FFA members who are in Indianapolis this week for the national convention, where its parli pro team and others are involved in competition on the national level.
    Success on the field, in FFA, other clubs or the classroom doesn’t just happen. Luck sometimes plays a part, but 99% of that success comes from hard work and commitment. That means showing up, even on those days when you’d much rather be doing something else.
    Some say athletics and other extra-curriculars aren’t important, citing the expense and time away from the classroom. However, there are so many lessons learned outside the classroom, too, in sports and organizations that will be well-used by our young people in the future. Qualities that include organization, teamwork and “showing up” are only a few of them.
    Congratulations, Chase County athletes and students for your efforts. Good luck as you advance in post-season play and national FFA competition.