Stand proud, Southwest Nebraskans

Stand proud, Southwest Nebraska. Stand proud. With three state championships on the line and a statewide audience watching on public television, this area's football players, coaches and fans performed magnificently, bringing honor to the southwest corner of the state by capturing two championships and coming within one point of winning another.

On a weekend which surpassed all previous title times in terms of area participation, McCook swept to its second straight title in Class B with a masterful triumph over Omaha Roncalli, 21-0, and Cambridge reached championship status for the seventh time with a final minute touchdown to defeat Crofton, 22-14, in Class C-2. The third area representative in the championship showdown, the Chase County Longhorns of Imperial, came oh so close, falling by a single point, 8-7, to Wahoo Neuman, in the Class C-1 finals.

The outstanding showings by Southwest Nebraska teams were not only important to the team members and their coaches ... they also were uplifting events for the schools, communities and the entire area as well.

What the young men showed with their success on the gridiron is the importance of setting a goal, working hard to achieve it; and joining together as a team in the pursuit of excellence.

Their success is an inspiration. What they have taught us -- no matter how young or old we might be -- is that great things are possible if we set goals, dedicate ourselves and work together to achieve them. This not only applies in sports; it is also true in our families, our jobs and community projects.

As we salute the teams, let us also say a word of thanks to the exceptional coaches who have molded the programs: Jeff Gross in McCook, George Purnell in Imperial and Dan Keyser in Cambridge.

These are very special people. They have a special talent for working with young people, and they are superb tacticians, making hundreds of decisions throughout the year that helped guide their teams to the championship contests.

It is also important to recognize the coaching staff members of the title teams, as it takes their expertise, and dedication, to develop all the many elements -- offense, defense and special teams -- which makes football success possible.

Thanks, too, to the Moms and Dads. Through all the years, starting back in grade school, the parents have provided the love and encouragement which has allowed their children to excel in athletic and academic pursuits.

Now -- as we savor the thrill of the championship weekend -- let us use the example to uplift us in our future endeavors ... whether it be as individuals, teams or communities.

We are Number One. It is a magnificent feeling; but, at the same time, it is a humbling reminder of how hard we must work and how united we must be to achieve success.