Protest mean-spirited

I know who won the 3,200-meter race at the District 7 2A meet for state qualifiers May 19. I was there. I saw Justin Rose, a sophomore from Colville, take the lead on the first lap and never relinquish it. I watched him run his heart out in a display of strength that easily outdistanced the rest of the pack.

No, it wasn’t a forward lean or a split decision that cost him that race and the opportunity to compete with other great runners around the state. After all, he came in more than 10 seconds ahead of his nearest opponent from Lakeside. But the Lakeside coaches protested the results.

Why? It appears Rose was wearing two inspirational rubber wristbands in apparent violation of WIAA rules. Did those two bands affect the results of the race or somehow give Rose an unfair advantage? Were the Lakeside coaches honoring the competition and the efforts of all the athletes by protesting the outcome in order to redress a wrong? Were they celebrating the accomplishment of the winners and promoting the sport? Were they modeling the true spirit of competition and search for excellence on the part of athletes and coaches everywhere?

No, the Lakeside protest was a petty and mean-spirited action that did nothing more than advance a Lakeside runner from second to first place and eliminate Rose, Lakeside’s toughest competitor, from the state race.

Rules are rules, I’m told, and must be followed, but the way this rule was used to subvert the outcome of a fine and fair race is unjust in a way everyone can understand.

I will always remember that Justin Rose won that 3,200 race. He won it fair and square. He won it with hard work, tough physical training and determination. He won it with a great smile on his face and a true sense of accomplishment. Nothing should take that away from him.

Anne Lawson

Colville