Let's be supportive of all school athletes

Speaking on the topic of athletics in a small town, the only way to achieve anything is through support for your team, from your school, and from the community. Sandpoint Bulldogs soccer coach Randy Thoreson was quoted in a recent issue of a Spokane newspaper as saying "If you expect anything less, you might as well go out for cross country."

It sure sounds like there may be some serious underestimation of Sandpoint's cross country in our community right now. Not only were Thoreson's comments unsportsmanlike, unprofessional, and rather demeaning to fellow athletes, they were inaccurate.

Perhaps I may clear up some misconceptions. Take for example the season's opening meet last Saturday in Bonners Ferry. Sandpoint girls varsity swept the meet and took home a first place trophy; all seven runners placed in the top 10. Sandpoint varsity and junior varsity boys also ran to first place titles.

Furthermore, Sandpoint had extreme success throughout the season last year, and a girls third place title at the state championships. Not only was our team on fire last year, but we have even higher expectations for the upcoming season as varsity girls have raised the bar and set a goal of a first place finish at state.

Each Bulldog athletic team works hard to reach their team goals, whether it be making it to state, or winning the state title. No good will come out of rivalry among the Bulldogs. Let's put that competitiveness to use in competition against another team.

We need not only be supportive of our own team, but the other Sandpoint teams, for the athletes of each train and condition hard for their sport. I speak as the captain of the girls Bulldog cross country team; that we don't take shortcuts, and strive on a daily basis to be the best, both in competition and attitude. Finally, I congratulate Coach Thoreson on a fantastic soccer team, and wish them the best of luck for the 2006 season.

CHRISTINE MILLER

SHS cross country