Witnessing the horrific events of 9/11 unfold through the media left an indelible mark on every American, and in the moments and days that followed, we all became participants to varying degrees in the post 9/11 history. What follows are localized perspectives on the day that Americans and America were forever changed.

CAMBRIDGE - While both teams dominated pool play Saturday, something had to give in the tournament final between Cambridge and Southwest. With a strong serve-and-block game, Cambridge emerged undefeated (3-0) with a 25-18, 25-20 victory over the Roughriders, dealing Southwest (3-1) its first defeat of the season.

ELWOOD - In a physical contest between two teams that liked to run right at each other, Arapahoe opened its season by pulling away in the second half for a 34-16 victory over Hi-Line in Elwood Friday night.

BENKELMAN - The Cambridge girls finished first and the Cambridge boys were second as area teams opened cross country season at Dundy County-Stratton last week. The Cambridge girls captured first place in the team race, edging Chase County by three points with a total of 26.

The Hi-Line cross county team started its season off on Saturday at Sutherland. As a new meet for the Bulls, the athletes were pretty nervous to see how the competition and course would go.

SOUTHERN VALLEY - In a match that couldn;t have been more tightly contested, the Southern Valley volleyball team nudged past Hi-Line last THursday for a five-set win, 23-25, 27-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-13.

HILDRETH - Battling triple-digit heat indexes for a mid-afternoon kickoff, the Southwest football team hung in and battled but eventually fell to Wilcox-Hildreth in Friday’s season opener, 24-6. The Roughriders managed just 117 yards of offense for the game, highlighted by 70 yards rushing from Hunter Cunningham.