Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

By Ray Hamill — Did we ever doubt it?

Four years to the day since I launched Humboldt Sports, interest in community sports here on the North Coast is alive and well and as strong it’s ever been.

And as we celebrate our birthday, I’d like to give a huge shoutout to four groups in particular, without whom none of this would be possible.

First, a huge shoutout to all of our sponsors, whose support keeps local sports coverage alive here in Humboldt and Del Norte counties at a time when a growing number of communities are losing that because of the changing landscape of  the media world.

It never ceases to amaze me how much North Coast businesses and fans get behind their teams and sporting events and how they continually find a way to help out.

This is especially important where we live, with athletes and teams often having to travel hundreds of miles just to compete and incurring greater expenses because of that.

Please support all of the Humboldt Sports sponsors, most of whom showcase their support for local sports on multiple fronts.

Secondly, a huge shoutout to all the community coaches out there.

They all do so much behind the scenes to keep their teams on track and ensure the best possible experience for their athletes, including consistently calling in details of games to Humboldt Sports.

Without their cooperation, it would be impossible to provide the type of coverage we do on a daily basis.

Thirdly, a big shoutout to all of our readers, because if you guys don’t tune in, there’s really no reason to do this.

And finally, and perhaps most obvious, a huge shoutout to all the local athletes, who continue to entertain us and thrill us and inspire us.

The first four years have been a blast. Thanks to everyone for all your support!