The season for fall sports at South Whidbey High School has wrapped up, not with a bang but a whimper.

No, I’m not talking about team or individual performances but rather the lack of recognition by school administrators for all the hard work by athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers.

It seems there’s an ancient, and in my view misplaced, tradition that each team gathers by themselves in a sort of semi-secret conclave to celebrate the season just past.

Sometimes parents are involved, sometimes not. Students are recognized by their coach and peers and that’s OK but, hey, it’s not enough.

There’s got to be something better for these kids.

I propose a Sports Night at the end of each season, to be held in the main gym — every team, their parents, relatives, fans, friends and the media would be invited to cram the bleachers in anticipation of a night to remember.

In fact, now that I think about it, why not have the 120-strong pep band and cheerleaders there to really liven up the place?

Here’s how it would work: Athletic director John Patton would stroll majestically to the podium, welcome everyone then give a big thanks to all those who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the year just ended successful — custodians, bus drivers, ticket-takers, announcers, referees, food vendors and other volunteers.

Then Patton would have each team’s seniors come down and be recognized, each given a bouquet of flowers to present to their parents. I know they do this now, usually before a game or at the break, but it lacks a certain grandeur. We’ve watched these youngsters grow tremendously over four years and they’ll be missed — we want them to know that and that we mean it.

Patton then announces any league or conference awards, including those for academics and sportsmanship. All right, you’re thinking this will be an evening that really lasts forever. But to save time, each athlete rises to be acknowledged, or if the team has done something really outstanding, everyone lines up as the crowd’s appreciation washes over them.

Now, all this should take no more than 45 minutes, after which each team separates to the commons or a classroom for team awards — MVP, Most Improved, Most Spirit, Most Admired and such.

You think these kids won’t remember this night years from now?

Granted, this would all take a little work to put together, but the question is: Would a Sports Night be worth the effort?

Absolutely.