Tommy F

Tonight, Birmingham-Southern College ends its time as an institution. Fittingly, the student-athletes went out on their own terms, as the @BSCBaseball team refused to let the so-called adults dictate when the school’s ending would occur. As most know, BSC (@FromTheHilltop) ceased operations on 5/31/2024, due to financial issues. Blame the past administrations, or blame the current administration, or blame State politicians or legislators — but do not blame the students. They were the victims of the “adults” not planning properly or providing proper resources. So, as young adults often do, they outclassed the elders who risked letting the school become history for the wrong reasons. BSC Baseball refused to die before 5/31/2024, and wouldn’t even let things go on 6/1/2024. However, UWW Baseball served a final closing notice on 6/2/2024 — a closing notice that will never erase what we witnessed because of the heroic run the BSC team went on to extend the life of an entire college. Many people blame athletics for the financial pressures they may put on higher-educational institutions and even high schools across the country. BSC Baseball’s run is a reminder, though, of the true importance of athletics as a unifying force in schools — and an important outlet for student-athletes who often need to use sports to create a balance between off-the-field chaos and on-the-field focus and success. Thank you to the BSC Baseball team for reminding the country of these important aspects of athletics at all levels of education. You taught us lessons better than your elders could have imagined — and as a result, I see great things in all of your futures. @D3FBHuddle and I will miss the Panthers at the #d3fb level, as @BSCFootball will obviously not be taking the field in the next school year. However, the team provided some great memories over the years for us — and we will not forget them. Wherever you may go next, know that your journeys have not been in vain — you are indelibly etched in our hearts and minds as part of the larger story and importance of college athletics. Thank you, student-athletes and coaches of BSC, past and “present,” for the memories.