Oh, how we love our sports world.

When we get caught up watching a game, our emotional energy is channeled in a fun and exciting sort of way, insulated from the real world, if only for a couple of hours or so.

But every now and again, the sports world is forced to field a dose of the tragic side of the real world.

Sports in Butler County took a double hit in that regard this past week. Stacy Martin, the courageous mother of seriously injured Karns City football player Mason Martin, succumbed to her many years of fighting cancer.

Saxonburg Spartan football player Zane Rupert, 12, and his grandfather, David Faulx, were killed in an automobile accident in Winfield Township.

News like this makes sports seem so insignificant. Of course, they are not.

In fact, without even knowing these three individuals, it’s clear that sports were a big part of their lives.

Stacy Martin derived enjoyment from watching her daughter, McKenna, play soccer for the Gremlins. While her health situation prevented her from being at every KC home game, Stacy was there when she could be to support her daughter.

While Mason’s football season was cut short by horrible injuries, she was a fan of his games as well.

From all accounts, Zane Rupert loved football. He was one of the most popular players on the Spartans. His teammates — along with his family — have to deal with his loss. His grandfather was likely among those who enjoyed watching him play.

Death is so sudden, so final, so cruel. Regardless of age or circumstance, it is so painful for those left behind to deal with.

We’ve all experienced that feeling and will do so again.

Again, I do not know the Martin family personally — only what I read, like everybody else. But it’s obvious they are a spiritually strong group of people. The way they’ve handled the tragedies befalling their family has been incredulous.

Even more incredible than that are the thousands of people — in the Karns City community and far beyond — who have rallied in support behind them.

May the Rupert family feel similar support.

Athletes have a resolve to win that is pretty strong and builds character.

Human compassion and resolve are stronger yet.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle