Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on High School Sports

The deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina has left a path of devastation in its wake, including the destruction of sports facilities and the postponement of games for high school athletes.

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of shattered dreams for high school athletes in its wake, as the storm's relentless rains and flooding have ravaged sports facilities and disrupted schedules across the southeastern United States.

In North Carolina, the Pisgah High School athletic director described the school's football, baseball, and softball fields as "a total loss," buried under several feet of water. The Pisgah football team, riding a four-game winning streak, has had its season thrown into disarray by the storm's destruction.

Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on High School Sports

"I'm sad for our kids. They've just been through so much," said athletic director Heidi Morgan. "Our seniors have only played eight times at Pisgah Memorial Stadium in four years due to COVID and the flood in '21. It's just heartbreaking."

The damage has extended beyond Pisgah. Asheville Christian Academy's athletic facilities have also been destroyed by flooding, with the gym floor and athletic fields reduced to ruins. The football team's homecoming game has been postponed indefinitely.

Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on High School Sports

In Tennessee, Hampton High School's football stadium was decimated by the floodwaters of the Doe River. The school board has approved $300,000 for cleanup, but the insurer has denied the claim. The school system is now facing the prospect of losing not only its football stadium but also its entire building.

The storm's wrath has not spared South Carolina either. American Leadership Academy running back and wide receiver Abraham Hoffman has said that the power outages have been a constant distraction from his football season.

Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on High School Sports

"It does take a little bit of focus off the game and season because you have to worry about a lot of stuff that's going on at home," Hoffman said. "It definitely causes a distraction."

Even those who have been spared the worst of the destruction are aware of the suffering endured by their neighbors. American Leadership coach Robin Bacon has spoken with coaches from other areas who have described the devastation as resembling an "atomic bomb."

Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on High School Sports

"We take for granted having a hot meal," Bacon said. "We take for granted having electricity. We take for granted that we can take a shower."

The death toll from Hurricane Helene has climbed to over 155, with North Carolina suffering the most devastation. Search crews are combing the mountains for survivors, hampered by washed-out roads and mudslides.

President Joe Biden has pledged significant resources for recovery efforts, and the Defense Department is deploying 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in the delivery of essential supplies.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that FEMA is facing a funding shortage as the hurricane season continues.

"We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane hitting. We do not have the funds. FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season," Mayorkas said.

The impact of Hurricane Helene will linger long after the waters recede, as high school athletes and their communities grapple with the loss of their sports facilities and the shattered hopes for their seasons.