Letter to the Editor: Short on numbers, not on heart

Dear Editor:

This past football season I had the opportunity to watch several of the PC games. I left every game with the same impression. These kids understand what this is all about. 

Short on numbers did not mean short on heart, lack of effort, team or love. I watched a team battle from start to end. I never heard anyone associated with the team use the lack of players as an excuse. 

I did hear some of the players ask the question a majority have asked. Why are there not more kids participating in football or any other activity offered?

I spent 25 years coaching high school football, girls basketball and track. The first 12 years were at Wallace High School. My first year (1987) the football team had not won a game in 40-plus tries. That first season was tough. We were always playing teams with more players. 

We finished the season with no wins. The next season hope was seen. Winning the first game while playing several freshmen. That class decided THEY were going to change the athletic fortunes at WHS. 

The 1989 season saw a team make the playoffs for the first time; saw athletes step up and work in the off season. Those kids lifted together, sweated together and bled together. Football players went out for basketball and track. Basketball players went out for football and track. It became a family. It spread through the school. The bar was set and others worked to exceed what those before them did. 

It was a 10-year span of success in all activities / sports. When I left in 1999, I left with a heavy heart but proud to know what I helped build.

If you have not figured it out yet, Coach Hunt is my son. He has made this old coach / teacher / dad very proud. I never thought I would feel the excitement of a state playoff, tournament, track meet, championship game again once I left coaching. After watching the Plainsmen this football season I can report the fire is back, the excitement is alive. 

To the parents and community members I have met this season, thank you for the support you have given to the football team and my son. I see the “flame” beginning to get higher. The glory days of the Plainsmen will return. I for one will be on board! Will you?

Mark Hunt

O’Neill

 

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel

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Grant NE 69140