For small schools the time and tempo of the school year is closely tied to seasonal athletic competition. It forms the ebb and flow of so many things on the campuses of East Texas schools.

For Alba-Golden High School the past two weeks has been hollow, as 48 football and 22 volleyball athletes had been quarantined. That quarantine is successfully drawing to a close, and the young Panthers will return to competition this week. 

“Our athletes are eager and more than ready to complete this season,” stated Alba-Golden Athletic Director Drew Webster. Webster could not contain the enthusiasm he has when speaking of both his athletes and the hopes for this season. “We have had a two-week period of self-evaluation,” he remarked, “and we will be very ready for play to commence.”

Head Volleyball Coach Jamie Webster likewise shared in the positive outlook for getting back on the court.

“Since last spring, we have been talking among the team about what would happen if this opportunity to compete was taken away.” She continued, “It had been, and we are very aware of what it means to play like it might be our last chance to play.” 

Lady Panther varsity volleyball recommences Saturday, Oct. 10 at Quinlan Boles. The junior varsity squad will restart the day before at home against Harts Bluff. 

The Quinlan Boles match is the start of the 2A district play. The Lady Panthers take a 3-1 record, against district 1A teams, into the 2A round of play. 

Gridiron enthusiasts will have to wait until the Friday the 16th when the Panthers host Rivercrest. It will be quite a night, as Senior Night recognition will be done in pre-game and homecoming festivities at halftime. 

Rivercrest will bring a talented team to town that Friday. Webster admitted that the open week fortuitously fell on Oct. 9, so the team will have both extra conditioning and planning time to prepare for Rivercrest.  

In addition to the physical conditioning, both coaches faced the issues of trying to teach the game – as in x’s and o’s – remotely, as well as preparing the teams psychologically. 

Although neither coach has seen any of their players in two weeks, they have remained in regular contact with the players.

“I have tried to share frequent thoughts about the season and the team as motivational messages for each of our players,” Jamie Webster noted. “They really want to have a full season,” she stressed. 

Drew Webster noted that the work done within the athletic department to build personal and collective accountability has proven to be extremely beneficial during this quarantine.

“If I am even a couple of minutes late in posting the workout routine,” he admitted, “I will receive five queries asking ‘Hey Coach, where is the work-out?’

“We will be coming back both stronger and better. Our kids love to play the game,” the athletic director said with pride.