Is it shoe endorsements? Lockouts (or at least the threat of them) where millionaires fight billionaires for the hard-earned dollars of the fans?

That seems doubtful.

While there is no denying the impressive spectacle of the Super Bowl or the glory of a summer afternoon at Safeco Field, neither completely capture the true spirit of why we find athletic competition so engrossing.

Our love of sports comes from a place much deeper than can be reached by a group of adults playing a game meant for kids because far too often in the pros, it seems that the passion of the game has been irreverently replaced with a “Me First” attitude and a dedication to increasing ones personal earning power over the success of the team.

Even in the college ranks, fans are more and more often finding themselves defending their favorite school or athletic program from increasingly visible sordid activities such as illegal recruiting and so-called “student-athletes” who are either oblivious or simply unconcerned with representing themselves, their university and their team in a respectable manner.

They just want to get to the pros, get to the millions.

That’s why we love the Preps.

Covering Preps offers not only a chance to experience game action, but an escape from a sporting world that each day becomes more about sponsors and advertising and less about the true spirit of why we love sports.

Without a promise of national recognition, a new contract or any of the other perks that are afforded to those who have moved their careers to the next level, why do these kids even play?

They do it for their love for the game. They play because they don’t know how not to.

For many high school students, making a varsity team has been a major goal since childhood. Most know they will not move on to bigger and better things. Their Super Bowl takes place in Tacoma.

Some will only see significant playing time as seniors, when they are physically superior to their younger counterparts. Some will never play at all.

Yet, year round they can be found on fields and courts, in pools and gyms everywhere sweating, bleeding and pouring their hearts and souls into the game with the sole purpose of living up to the expectations of their coaches and teammates.

Their dedication inspires us, makes us want to be better ourselves.

They show us what it means to truly give of yourself for the betterment of others. They remind us of how a single moment can galvanize an entire community. But more than anything, they remind us of what it feels like to care.

Not convinced?

Head to any game that includes the phrase “loser-out” and watch how the team that falls short responds.

Those tears aren’t scripted.

In fact, they are as genuine as the effort given by the kids who are left shedding them.

Check out a state championship game and watch as a group of kids who may otherwise have no interest in one another, come together with a common purpose and achieve it together.

If you do, they will more than likely leave you on your feet, cheering.