Beyond The Scoreboard: The Deeper Meaning Behind The National Anthem

Have you ever noticed that not all sports here at OPHS play the National Anthem before games? Well, some athletes are ready to make everyone aware. From varsity soccer to bowling, many teams do not play the national anthem. Dual athlete Ariana Kovacevic states “Sometimes we play the national anthem, but only when its on turf. I think the national anthem is really nice, I feel its very patriotic and it puts you in the spirit to play your best.” Since the national anthem positively impacts athletes, why don’t all of our sports make it happen? There are some interfering factors that affect teams like varsity softball, which cannot play the national anthem because they don’t have a loud enough speaker. A.K states “I wish they did it [national anthem] more, but I understand how some don’t, because they do not have the opportunity to.” Should all teams be supplied to play the national anthem before games? JV field hockey athlete Leighten Nowakowski, thinks so.“They don’t play the national anthem at our games, but I do think its important to recognize those who have served for us!’’ As a JV flag football athlete, I think all sports should. It is an extremely important time when everyone takes a moment of silence to recognize those that have given us the opportunity to play. Its a collective moment that connects the whole team, as we settle in silence to play our best on the field. Only some sports like Varsity basketball, lacrosse, and football get the honor of playing the national anthem. The debate over the anthem’s role in OPHS sports continues to spark discussion among students and athletes alike.