This is the time of year that many people get caught up in the March Madness, reveling in the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” as the old Wide World of Sports television promo used to proclaim. But fans shouldn’t lose sight of what’s really important.

The NCAA basketball tournament kicks off this week as college hoops fans get worked into a frenzy rooting for their teams. High school sports is much the same.

Locally, the Ironton Fighting Tigers are enjoying their own version of March Madness as they will play in the state tournament Final Four on Thursday, with the winner playing Saturday in the championship game.

We need to be excited for the team. We need to be excited for the community. But we also must keep it all in perspective.

Fans need to remember that — certainly at the high school level and even college — these are simply kids. They need our support and encouragement, win or lose.

In all likelihood each of these young men and women will each face challenges far greater and far more important in their lives.

Lawrence County’s teams gave their all this season and the Ironton Fighting Tigers stood out even among the best to earn their third trip ever to the state.

Regardless of the outcome, sports fans should be fans of our youth.