To the Editor:
This is in response to Jason Simond’s letter a few weeks ago. I went to every one of the G.S.B. 8th grade boys’ basketball games this season. As I sat in the stands I heard a lot of remarks from the spectators on the bleachers. I heard people cheering on the boys and the teams they played on. I heard parents from our team and other teams whom we competed against saying that they wish that their team could just win one or two games in the season. I also heard people complaining about the refs making bad calls, both ways, at many of the games.
So from hearing all this going on and having my own feelings while cheering on my own son and his team at games, I never got the feeling that everyone was there just to watch them play and have fun. I did get the feeling that everyone wanted their team to win. Some parents were even getting really involved and upset at some games. It is a sport, which involves competition. Ever since sports have been around there have been winners and losers…with everyone wanting to win.
I have also read Jarrod Pinkham’s response to Mr. Simonds’ letter and I have to say that I side with Jarrod. Every individual has something in which they are good and bad. Some individuals really excel at certain things.
I have attended school concerts and plays and have heard some really good singing and seen some exceptional acting, but I have also seen some not so good of each. If we go with the beliefs of Mr. Simonds’ should we be having the kids who can’t sing…. singing the solos or the kids that can’t act…. in the lead roles?
I was a volunteer baseball coach for seven years. I know from being a coach that teaching the kids comes first, but there is also a good feeling and an accomplishment to winning. If there was a league that just played games to have fun and didn’t keep score, I’m not sure that you would have many players or spectators. Sports are competitive and are played to have a winner and loser.
So let the kids that can play, play! The ones who can’t play so well need to find their calling. We are not all doctors or lawyers…we had to find our own calling.
Brian Eugley, Damariscotta
