A sense of gratitude is in order in sports world, from junior high levels, through the professional ranks. Order has returned in the main for schedules, fans, and games. If we reflect on 2020 we should understand that games were played under duress of no fans in attendance, limitations because of COVID-19, games subject to cancellations because of sickness, and with limited access to the players.
Some high school games were played out of season with reductions in numbers.
Stands were either completely empty, then with modified numbers, and often with only 10% capacity.
Two years later the main focus is on winning games, filling venues, and challenging for on-field playoff success. There should be no inclination to return to those COVID-19 days. We should be grateful that there are 162 Major League Baseball schedule instead of 60.
• Low-grade note should be acknowledged. Last week in The Voice we had schedules of college football games for both the University of Illinois and Northwestern. Just because neither football team was dominant last season, that is no excuse for The Voice to list only eight Big Ten Conference games. We missed that the second Illinois football game at Indiana Friday, Sept. 2 will be a Big Ten game. Northwestern will play Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time and is a Big Ten Conference game, even though it is out the country.
The Big Ten teams will play nine of their 12 games in conference this year.
Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State should be among the favorites to win the championship. That is no superior. Can Iowa continue its fine play and be a factor in precipitating in the championship game. How about Northwestern and Illinois? That is why they play the games. There are always surprises.
• The Chicago Bears have reduced preseason games this year from four to three and the only preseason home game will be Saturday, Aug. 13.
• High School football practices started Monday this week. First games will begin Thursday, Aug. 25.