Wrong message sent

I was touched by the great article about the Rogers High School football team.

As a graduate of Rogers or “Hillyard High,” a name used by our rivals to taunt us, I remember vividly that we were able to field competitive teams consistently, year after year. What changed? Touring the school three years ago, one of the coaches pointed out the sadly lacking training room with outdated equipment. It was mentioned that aspiring athletes have the freedom to go to any of the high schools in the district, and will often attend one where they offer state-of-the-art equipment (often donated by parent organizations where money isn’t an issue) and where they have winning teams.

Though thankful that these coaches are building character and values into these kids, it’s a shame that many good athletes choose to leave the Rogers area to play at schools with weight rooms resembling 24 Hour Fitness. Maybe the message that sends is that winning is everything.

Vickie Hershey

Chattaroy