Opinion

An apology

Thursday, December 19, 2002

The McCook Daily Gazette and its sports editor, John J. Mesh, apologize to the players, coaches and supporters of the Republican Valley High School girls basketball team.

We were not only wrong, we were totally off-base when we said the Mustang girls "kept the press on through the end of the third quarter" in their 100-9 win over Brady in the first round of the McCook Cattle Trail Invitational.

"I got bad information, I got lazy and I didn't follow up," said Mesh. " I greatly regret the hard feelings that I have created."

In the days since the column appeared, Republican Valley supporters have rushed to the defense of the coach, Dennis Troester, and the RV players.

That is the good side of an otherwise unfortunate episode. We have been reminded how loyal and supportive the people of the Republican Valley district are. Dating back to the days of the Red Willow and Indianola schools, the people of the now consolidated districts have developed a proud athletic heritage.

This was shown once again by the rapid response to the controversial column. The letters from Donald Behnke, Tanya Morgan, Coach Troester, Betsy Coolidge and Denise McConville were reasonable and thought-provoking, giving us all cause -- and pause -- to consider the importance of fair play and sportsmanship.

All who have played or watched games have come across similar circumstances. In a competitive event, when one of the two participants is thoroughly outmatched, what's the right thing to do?

Coach Troester, who has faced this situation often in his long and distinguished coaching career, listed four ways he attempted to not run up the score: (1) The Mustangs did not press the entire game; (2) The Mustang coaches played all 12 players; (3) Three Mustang starters scored only 14 points between them, and: (4) The Mustangs played a zone defense throughout most of the game.

In the games we play, it is certain that mismatches will happen from time to time.

That may have been what inspired the great sportswriter, Grantland Rice, when he wrote: "When the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name -- He marks -- not that you won or lost -- but how you played the game."

Mr. Rice passed away nearly a half century ago, but the wisdom of his words will ring though the centuries.

We at the Gazette regret the hurt we have caused. Keep a close watch on what we say and do in the future. When we make mistakes, we want you to let us know. The supporters of Republican Valley have done so, and, in so doing, they have provided a valuable community service.

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