NEWS double faults

I am sincerely disappointed that you didn’t choose to lead your Monday, July 10, sports pages with Wimbledon news, especially Pete Sampras’ record-breaking achievement in winning 13 grand slam titles.

Also, Venus Williams’ win over Lindsey Davenport in an All-American final should have received more attention and at least a picture.

John Habeeb

Caribou

Marvelous MaCKRO

A group of us from Virginia have just returned to Virginia after attending a wonderful event in West Forks, Maine. We competed in the American Canoe Association Open Canoe Whitewater National Championships held on the lower Dead River.

The event was hosted by the Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization (MaCKRO) and was supported by many local businesses. It was well-organized and the people in the community were extremely friendly and pleasant. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Maine and hope to return soon.

MaCKRO, the West Forks community and the Cole family deserve much praise for a job well-done.

Kirk Havens

Plainview, Va.

Wood’s true success

I would like to echo the sentiments of others who have written to the BDN to express their support of Buddy Wood. I was absolutely shocked upon receiving the news of Buddy’s non-renewal.

Having had the opportunity to be a teaching and coaching colleague of Buddy’s for 12 years I found him to exemplify what I believed Washington Academy stood for. Buddy is easily one of the most honest, likeable and generous people I have encountered.

His work with young athletes is legendary as is his willingness to go beyond the call of duty for kids in general. This is a person who thinks nothing of giving students lunch money, taking them fishing or literally giving them the shirt off his back.

Buddy has had a positive influence on thousands of kids during his 22 years at Washington Academy and I think that deserves far more respect than the slap in the face he has received. A true coach’s success is not based solely on their win-loss records, but also by their relationships with the young men and women they impact. In that respect Buddy is a legend. Coach, count me in your corner.

Michael Morin

Derry, N.H.

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