The Right Way To Lose

Mon., Dec. 14, 1998

By D.F. Oliveria daveo@spokesman.com (509) 319-0354

Coeur d’Alene sports fans were treated to a great girls basketball contest between Coeur d’Alene and Lake City high schools Thursday night.

The beauty of the competition between the two rivals didn’t end when Coeur d’Alene prevailed by two points in overtime. Instead, the girl Viks’ first win ever over Lake City in 11 tries set the stage for a refreshing display of sportsmanship.

In a postgame interview, LC coach Dave Fealko discussed the loss: “It had to happen sometime. Hell, I’m glad they beat me. It doesn’t bother me. It was a great game. Hopefully we can learn from it.”

Over the last two decades, Fealko has put Coeur d’Alene girls basketball on the map, winning a combined five state titles at the two high schools before retiring temporarily four years ago. His competence as a coach is well-documented by his career won-lost record. The grace he showed last week during one of his few losses is equally impressive.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

The Right Way To Lose

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Ban hijabs and halal foods? Texas Republicans offer early blueprint of plan to 'stop Islam'

The cost of the Iran war is mounting. Here’s the latest tally.

Removal of remains from Chicago funeral home continues as investigation unfolds: ‘It’s devastating’