When you talk, write and read about sports for a living, it doesn’t take long to get a little jaded and cynical.

It happens to almost everyone. There’s just too much ego, greed, hype and nonsense in sports for it to be any other way.

Then something will happen that reminds me of why I like sports so much, and why I still love my job as I begin my 30th year working at a daily newspaper.

My affirmation moment came a few weeks ago at the WIAA state cross-country meet at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids.

It was a cold, wet, miserable day better suited for staying indoors with a warm blanket and the remote control. But duty called, so I stood in a driving rain for the better part of five hours.

I watched Little Chute freshman Lindsey Grams greeted by family and friends after an impressive run to ninth place in Division 2. There were hugs and tears, and the smile on Lindsey’s face as she greeted well-wishers lit up a dark, dreary afternoon.

I stood with the Kimberly boys’ team as the giant scoreboard at the finish line started counting down from 20 to unveil the Division 1 champion. Coach Mike Heling had already done the math in his head and was pretty sure the Papermakers had won the championship, but to watch the nerves, tension and anticipation erupt into cheers and screams when Kimberly popped up in the No. 1 spot was thrilling.

I stood near the Little Chute boys’ team as it came together for a last group hug after finishing their final run together. The Mustangs’ top five runners were all seniors and had been friends and teammates for years. Tears ran down their cheeks as they shared a final pep talk.

Moments like these were repeated over and over in the driving rain at Wisconsin Rapids. Moments like this happen all the time in sports.

So rather than wasting energy worrying about why the Packers’ offense has suddenly vanished or wondering why Greg Hardy can still be in the NFL, I’ll remember the good moments and why I like sports.

Mike Sherry: 920-993-1000, ext. 289, or msherry@postcrescent.com; on Twitter @MikeSherry14