Fall sports preseason begins

With smoke in the air and temperatures in the 90’s, it’s hard to believe that Fall is on the horizon. And with Fall comes the fall sports season. August 11th is the frst day that high school sports teams can ofcially practice, so up and down the valley you’ll begin to see area athletes practicing in felds, roads, and gyms.

Between Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, and Florence, there are 33 varsity teams, which include six football teams, six volleyball teams, six cheer squads, six cross country teams, three girls soccer teams, three boys soccer teams, and three golf teams, and that’s not counting all the JV, freshman, and middle school teams.

Needless to say, there are a lot of school sports going on in the next couple of months. Student athletes, parents, volunteers, referees, and coaches have dedicated a lot of time and efort to these activities. Our communities are stronger and more cohesive because of this. So win or lose, get out there and show your support!

Robert A. Leonardi was tragically killed in a hit and run collision in 2019 at the age of nine. Out of this tragedy came the Play Like Robert Foundation, which is a non-proft that engages in charitable and educational activities, and connects people through learning, play, and the courage to try. They support charitable organizations in the community, create engaging environments for children to get active, and support educational systems and resources. Robert’s Run exists to celebrate Robert Leonardi’s spirit by connecting our communities and supporting the Play Like Robert Foundation.

The overall purpose and meaning of the event was much more than who won or who lost, as everyone who participated was a winner. But some high level, competitive runners competed this year and they went all out for the event. The following are the frst place winners for each of the races. 10K Male-Jack Davidson, 10K Female-Laurie Davidson, 5K MaleGrant Martin, 5K Female-Ashley Palacio, 1Mile Male-Evan Bennett, 1Mile Female-Katelyn Melcher, Trifecta Male-Benton Martin, Trifecta Female-Marisa Sowles.

On Saturday, hundreds of people from every state in the country gathered to experience life together. One of the greatest runners in United States history led the 1-mile family walk/ run in Hamilton, Montana. Minutes before the 1-mile race, a family of six made their way to the start line. They pushed a baby in a stroller, husband and wife held hands, three young children bounced around as they made their way to the start line. Smiling, experiencing, connecting. All of this a ftting tribute to the life and legacy of Robert.

For more information about the Play Like Robert Foundation, visit www.playlikerobert.org.