For the past two weeks, we have watched some of the greatest athletes in the world compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

We have seen amazing feats of athletic skill, blunders, tears and smiles, but alas, these two weeks of athletic greatness came to an end on Sunday night during the Olympics closing ceremonies.

With the end of the Olympics also comes a letdown as we had patiently waited for the games to begin and geared ourselves up with excitement and anticipation as we would’ve for Christmas day when we were children.

Don’t fear this letdown, however, as we need only turn our attentions back to our high schools.

Monday marked the first day of fall athletic practices for area teams competing in field hockey, cross country, golf, soccer, cheerleading and football. For an entire summer, high school athletic fans have probably enjoyed the hot days and long nights of fun, but Monday signaled the changing of the seasons.

It’s true that there are still several weeks of summer left, but now it is time to turn our attention to one of the best seasons in all of high school sports. Each season, be it winter or spring, is unique, but there is something special about the fall season that kicks off the school year.

The weather becomes crisper and the air feels cleaner. The leaves begin to change and a new landscape emerges in front of us, ready to be conquered by our high school athletes. Each player is a year older, some embarking into high school sports for the first time. The season is new, as are the attitudes of the athletes, which is apparent during each night of athletic competition.

There is something special about being at a Biddeford football game on a Friday night at Waterhouse Field. The atmosphere is electric as fans fill the hallowed bleachers ready to cheer on one of the most storied teams in Maine football history.

Thornton Academy’s Saturday football tradition is also something to enjoy as the Golden Trojans are one of a handful of teams to play their home games during the day. Watching a Thornton win on a clear, cool Saturday afternoon in the fall is an almost unmatched moment.

The Wells Warriors football team marched to an undefeated season and a Class B state title, last year, culminating under a cold, fall evening at Fitzpatrick Stadium in November. One’s breath could be seen as temperatures dipped into the upper 20s, but the cold couldn’t dampen the moods of the hundreds of fans in attendance cheering on both Wells and Leavitt.

While football is big in York County, rivalries in other sports exist that drive the competitive spirit. When Sanford and Massabesic clash in a field hockey game, those in attendance will be flanked by thousands of spectators buzzing with rival spirit.

This season, the Thornton Academy girls soccer team could provide its fans with the same excitement as the team embarks on its goal of winning a Class A state title in November.

Fans who aren’t looking for team competitions can find suspense and thrill in the many talented golfers and cross country athletes who shine individually on the statewide stage. Last year, Sanford High School treated fans to a Class A state golf title, while Kennebunk’s Abbey Leonardi raced to another girls cross country championship.

No one knows what athletic triumphs await our area’s teams this year, but one thing is certain: The fall is upon us, so let’s get fired up in support of York County athletes.

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Today’s editorial was written by Sports Editor Al Edwards representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.