Fonder grows the heart at LHSAA Prep Classic

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
That was pretty much my evaluation of my time spent this weekend covering the LHSAA Prep Football Classic for a sister newspaper in Mansfield.
The last time I was there was seven years ago, covering the 2014 Prep Classic for The American Press in Lake Charles.
That particular game was a rematch of the 2013 Class 2A matchup between Kinder and Many.
There were a lot of good memories about the last time I was there. Driving up with a colleague, stopping at TJ Ribs for lunch and even the playlist the colleague and I had constructed.
Looking back, it was the last vestiges of youthful innocence in my life before it became fully consumed by raising my children to be the best people they can be, making sure the mortgage is paid, balancing checkbooks and most importantly making sure my wife feels well taken care of.
This was a very different experience. Up before 6 a.m., out the door by 6:45. Arriving before the LHSAA’s Communications Director was even set up.
No playlist. No lunch. No colleague to ride with. Just me and the sounds of podcasts and my thoughts.
Even once I got into the Caesars Superdome, it was a very different experience.
I don’t remember the check in process being quite so thorough. The interview process also a lot more professional and put together.
Apparently, a lot can change in seven years. Who knew?
But, the cliche is sometimes accurate. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
There were the statewide colleagues I hadn’t touched base with in years. Some familiar, some new. Some I’d seen at previous stops now running their own press ventures.
There was the feeling of wonder as you step onto the floor of the Superdome.
You think you know how big that building is when you’re sitting in the stands. You truly don’t get it until you’re on the floor of it.
That doesn’t change, above all, is the joy and pride kids and coaches feel when the clock strikes 0:00 and they’re crowned a state champion.
There is, at the same time, the gut-wrenching moment of watching kids feel like life can’t get any worse after taking a loss on what will be for many of them the biggest stage they’ll ever play on.
Ultimately, the biggest part of it all is the feeling of accomplishment when you’re done with the work required. And you can sit back and watch some of the best football this state has to offer.
The Prep Classic is an institution. It’s a first-class event that, after seven years away, gets better and better as time goes on.
The Prep Classic never gets old for me. Even as I get older, it’s a special event to cover.