Sumitted photo by Jennfier Lane: Cast members practice a scene before Fort Dodge Senior High’s production of ‘Footloose’ last week.

Sports are my passion, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m also a big fan of musicals.

To clarify, I’m no aficionado — mostly just an admirer from afar. This dates back to witnessing my first Fort Dodge Senior High performance, a rousing rendition of “Oklahoma!” in the Phillips Middle School Auditorium 31 years ago.

I’ve closely followed the crown jewel of our community’s rich and storied arts program ever since, even though I didn’t participate as an FDSH student myself in the mid-1990s. There was something about being on a stage and in front of an audience that I could never wrap my head — or stomach — around.

Maybe that’s why I have such a deep respect for what the kids and their directors do year in and year out. Talent is necessary and execution a must, but guts are just as important. Some teenagers are wired differently when it comes to clutch play in athletics, but many of the same rules and traits absolutely apply to theater.

I’m not necessarily able to dissect or critique their every move, but I know a good performance when I see one. And I’ve witnessed dozens over the last three decades, attending this show annually with very few exceptions. Our family has always prioritized supporting the arts, even when we didn’t have direct ties to the programs or kids involved.

I found myself reminiscing quite a bit last week, when FDSH delivered its 95th annual musical — the oldest and longest-running high school show in the country. My 16-year-old son was in the chorus, so the story became a little more personal this time around. I was in tune to the behind-the-scenes work required to deliver the finished product; the final two weeks leading up to showtime, in particular, was a crash course in the intense level of commitment, dedication, and physical and mental preparation required.

“Footloose” — this year’s performance — lived up to the lofty standard established by its predecessors. Played to a capacity crowd at the Fort Dodge Middle School for three consecutive days, it was deep and heartfelt, while also being light and entertaining. Vocal music director Matt Drees and theater director Lindey Krug took the individual skill of 60 kids — singing, dancing, acting, playing, helping — and molded it into a collective artform. Again.

Right on cue.

I started to think about the thousands of students who have contributed to this FDSH tradition for nearly a full century. Actors and actresses. Pit members. Stage crew. Volunteers. We’re five years away from the historic 100th anniversary celebration, which will be something no other high school — among the nearly 24,000 in the United States — can claim.

The process of piecing together a musical is about identifying talent, finding the right storyline and character potential, managing the emotional needs of a large group of kids who possess different skill sets and expectations, playing to the strengths of everyone involved, and practice, practice, practice.

At the end of the day, though, it’s also about establishing lasting relationships while creating a family atmosphere. And no one has done it better or for longer than Fort Dodge Senior High.

Even students and audience members with a peripheral connection feel a sense of pride from being a part of it all. My three young daughters attended the show each night, hanging on every word and note while undoubtedly dreaming of being in this same spotlight someday.

That’s how you build tradition.

We should never take any of this for granted, and thank our kids for bringing our community to life every spring through the spirit of music.

Eric Pratt is Sports Editor at The Messenger. Contact him via email at sports@messengernews.net