The Burnet high school and middle school cross country teams began their 2020 seasons on Saturday with races in Florence. It was an extremely hot meet for the Dawgs but that didn’t stop several runners from performing their very best.

What so many thought they’d never see in the fall of 2020 is unfolding at BHS. Fall sports has been a breath of fresh air to thousands of fans in the Hill Country and fingers are crossed that the ball keep rolling.

The Burnet Bulldog football teams got their first taste of contact against someone other than themselves last week, and team green fans are anxious for more. The freshman boys took the field first versus the newly formed Lake Belton Broncos.

Fall team tennis kicked off their 2020 season last Wednesday with a tournament hosted on Burnet’s courts. The Bulldogs and Lady Dawgs welcomed Canyon Lake to town for a dual match. It was the first match of the season for both teams.

During the first week of school the Lady Bulldog volleyball program found time to also play in five games. The Burnet teams traveled to Gatesville on Tuesday night, hosted a dual between Burnet, Johnson City and Lampasas on Friday, and welcomed Thrall and Llano on Saturday for their second dual in as many days.

Like many other couples and locals we know, my wife and I wear many hats. Honestly, I’ve always enjoyed picking up that cap that has allowed me to work with thousands of BHS and BMS athletes and students over the past 22 years through our photography business and sports coverage.

With a near five month break in UIL sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last week’s season openers of high school volleyball season took center stage all around the state. Coaches, players and fans alike could not wait to see their teams back in action representing their hometowns.

Tatum Salinas, a member of Burnet’s fall tennis team, returns a volley with a smile during practice on Tuesday at the Bulldog tennis courts. This year’s season of team tennis is being instructed by head coach Nathan Redman and assistant coach Natalie Morky. Wayne Craig/Clear Memories

Introducing the Burnet linebacker corps which is being led by coaches Timothy Hoppe and Casey Carr. Front row, from left: Tanner O’Hair, Ethan Wolfe, Coach Timothy Hoppe, Marcus Escamilla and Tim Hudgins. Back row, from left: James Alexander, Devonte Miller, Jacob Johnson, Coach Casey Carr, Maison Thornley, Matthew Thrane and Nikko Ynfante. Photos by Wayne Craig/ Clear Memories

To quote an AC/DC lyric, “It’s been a long time, I’m glad to be back.” With high school sports cranking up at BHS this past week it added some sense of normalcy for many of our local Bulldog fans. Not all schools got that privilege.