Hey, do you think we'll play today? I don't know what do you think? How many times have you heard that conversation?

Well, we know, who knows. That is, the maintenance crew; the field crew; the support staff, the people that make your school prosper and allow people to attend school every day, as well as compete every day.

And what do we give them? Not enough recognition. So we're here to tell you without them, we do not attend school and we do not play. If the facility is not right; then no school is held and no contests are played.

So let's recognize those that work tireless hours, do all the heavy lifting and make schools and facilities, clean, safe, neat and correct by the rules to allow all of us to compete at all levels; scholastically and interscholastically.

So, here's a tip of the cap to all the maintenance folks, secretaries, cafeteria personnel, the field crews, the booster clubs and the teams who work the concessions stands. We salute all of those groups that take time from their personal schedules to give all of us the best environment to participate in on a daily basis.

All we can say is, simply, thank you! Thank you for a job well done and your commitment and dedication to student-athletes playing interscholastic athletics. Without each and every one of you, the games are not played and your efforts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.

On behalf of 325,000 student-athletes and 1440 member schools, we thank you!

Interscholastic athletics: where we all help each other be successful!