Shelby offers Golden gesture to Polk’s soccer seniors

With all athletic events in North Carolina suspended until at least April 6, a number of teams across the state opted to recognize their seniors on Friday’s final day of competition.

Shelby High School’s girls soccer team was one of those, honoring its senior class prior to Friday’s home match against Polk County.

The Golden Lions, though, took the celebration a step further as Shelby Principal David Allen decided to include Polk County’s seniors as well.

“Coach (David) Steeves approached me about moving up Senior Night for our team, just in case,” Allen said. “I said, absolutely. If we end up coming back, we can certainly do something else as well.

“On Friday morning, I suggested that we reach out to Polk and see if they wanted their seniors recognized, too.”

Shelby team mom Millie Wood worked with Holly’s Florist in Shelby to provide flowers for Polk County’s players at no charge, and Wolverine head coach Lennox Charles presented a bouquet to each senior as Allen announced their name.

“While it was my idea initially, coaches, parents and players made it happen,” Allen said. “I just hope the season isn’t over and that we all can recognize our seniors again.”

The gesture meant much to Polk County’s players and their families.

“Words cannot express our gratitude to our competitors for their sportsmanship and kindness for giving our seniors ‘their night,'” said Renae Waldman, mother of senior soccer player Sydney Waldman.