We're back!
Man does it feel good to have athletics back! Hearing balls bouncing and kids laughing in the gyms and outside after the school day has never brought me so much joy. For those who don’t know me, my name is Matt Olsen and I am one of the High School Physical Education and Driver’s Ed instructors.
I also have the privilege of being the Varsity Boys Golf Coach, Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and the Head Baseball Coach. I am completing my fourth year as an educator in the Hinckley-Big Rock School District, and my ninth year teaching overall. This year I will also be able to complete my 30th season of coaching. For you mathematicians out there, I have been coaching 3 sports a year since my senior year of college back in 2011-2012. Needless to say coaching is in my blood and a huge part of who I am. Being around the students of HBR brings me tremendous happiness and peace. When the pandemic hit last year I committed to coaching the athletes of HBR through the challenges we were all facing. I felt the high and lows of the pandemic rollercoaster, just like everyone else, but I had to find a way to move our programs forward. The coaching staff devised ways to meet on a weekly basis virtually, doing as much teaching of the sports we were desperately missing. We covered detailed lessons on mental aspects to the game, advanced strategies and just being available to each other as the Royal family we are. We all had unanswered questions, health concerns and uncertainty for the future. But looking back now, I can see we are all more resilient because of it. As one would expect, we were itching to get back to compete. Once it was safe for us to have contact, we did so following the IHSA and IDPH guidelines. You could see the eye smiles through the masks and the work ethic that continues to ensue today. We have not taken these moments for granted. We have grown as individuals, teams and as Royals. So far we have made it through a boys and girls golf season in the fall, a boys and girls basketball season that started in February. And are now in the midst of volleyball and soccer, while gearing up to play our first baseball game on April 19th.
While the road has been challenging, we would not have been able to make it this far without the incredible work and leadership of the people who deserve to be thanked. That starts with the school administration as they continue to keep up with the latest IDPH protocols and pivoting educational plans to put the students of HBR in the most successful situations possible. Kim Halverson, as she stayed on top of the ever changing IHSA guidelines and schedules changes. I am also pretty confident she had to create each sports schedule at least three different times. The maintenance and custodial staff for their due diligence in keeping everyone as healthy and safe as possible. Lastly, for all you parents and the leadership you provided to your kids while we navigated through the emotions this year. We, the staff, are forever thankful, and so are the students. Joy is clearly visible on their faces and in their body language as they are able to return the activities they love and be back in school with their classmates. These students will forever remember this time of their lives and certainly will never take the things that they enjoy for granted. This will only serve them well in the future as they will be present in every moment and be flexible to the continued struggles of life.
Now that spring is here and consistent warmer weather is just around the corner, we are finishing this school year strong and heading into summer. I hope to see the loving support of the community safely attend the Royals baseball games as we open up our new baseball field. It is a very exciting historical moment that will facilitate years of memories for the Hinckley and Big Rock communities. I look forward to the days of having girls soccer games and baseball games being played at the same time. Watching the fans check back and forth, supporting their peers and or loved ones. I look forward to the community doing the same thing, as you already have done so well this past year, and in many previous years. Finally, the vision of lines at the Dairy Joy and other restaurants in town as I travel home following games brings a feeling of normalcy. We are closer than ever and I embrace the positive, warm feelings. Thank you for your support, your patience and your passion to be a Royal! Be safe and bountiful blessings to all.
Matt Olsen