GRAVETTE — Dear Editor,
When it comes to competitive sports, we can easily get so caught up in winning that we forget about something more important than the final score: displaying good sportsmanship. One aspect of good sportsmanship is treating opposing players and fans with courtesy and respect. I was so impressed by the remarkable display of sportsmanship exhibited by the Gravette Lions when hosting the Heber Springs Panthers in round two of the Class 4A football playoffs.
My family, among many other parents and fans, made the long journey from Heber Springs to Lion Stadium on November 20, anticipating a highly competitive game against a very accomplished team. What we weren’t expecting was the level of hospitality and respect displayed toward our team and fans, including welcome signs,hot chocolate and homemade cookies distributed in the visitor stands and sack lunches for the players for the long ride home. The Gravette players, students, coaches, fans and sports announcer went out of their way to display a level of goodwill and sportsmanship truly representative of champions, and almost unheard of in today’s competitive environment. I can honestly say this was the most positive high school competition I have ever attended, regardless of the final outcome.
On behalf of my family and many other Heber Springs parents and fans, thank you to all who represented your city and school with such hospitality and generosity and congratulations to both the Gravette Lions and the Heber Springs Panthers on their winning 2009 football seasons.
Melinda Wilkinson Heber Springs
Opinion, Pages 4 on 12/16/2009