Fan Feedback

I am writing in regard to the treatment the fans from Washburn got when they entered Woodland High School for a recent tourney prelim basketball game. We followed the bus because we didn’t know where the school was.

The game was at 4:30 p.m. and we arrived at 3:30 p.m. We were met at the door and told that we were early, they were not ready and that we could use the restroom but then had to leave the building. Then the gentleman looked at us, saw that we were older folks and said, “Seniors get in free” so we were allowed to enter but were then told exactly where we could sit.

The rest of the fans were told to come back in 40 minutes. We traveled for four hours to get that kind of treatment. When the fans asked where they could go, they were told to go to the Irving rest stop. I never have been treated that way and my husband and I go to all games that we can go to.

The school and fans made fun of our boys; we would not allow our fans to do that.

Thelma Milton

Fort Fairfield

This year’s competitive season, for cheerleading, has come to an end. Congratulations to all the teams that competed in the last month or so. These cheerleaders are talented, hard-working kids who compete against each other in front of not only judges, but also thousands of spectators.

Cheerleading, in its competitive form, is far removed from the sideline cheering that you might see at a football or basketball game. Some schools even have two different squads, one for games and one for competitions. At the competitions you will see floor tumbling, jumps, dancing, cheers, some very difficult stunts, and much more, including music that will pump not only the teams up, but also their fans.

The only thing you will not see at the competitions is the reaction of the judges. This reaction is solely responsible for scores that each team is awarded out of a possible 100 points. Yes, it is true that the judges have guidelines to go by, but ultimately it is their reaction that causes the pencil to mark up or down on a team. Human element does make events where judges are deciding who wins or loses very subjective, but some things can’t be explained and shouldn’t be allowed.

At the Easterns, it was stated at the coaches meeting prior to the competition, that if a cheerleader steps off the mat, no points would be deducted. Well, one team had five points deducted when a cheerleader’s heel left the mat, but the second-place team stepped off as well, with no deductions.

This same team had five points deducted for not completing a double-spiral dismount by about one-eighth of a turn. It was made clear that if the flyer was dropped or came down uncontrolled, then five points would be taken off. This spiral dismount was not a drop, or uncontrolled. This was much more difficult than most dismounts, and to take five points off the total score meant that this team would have scored better if they just played it safe without any difficulty like other teams did.

The Bucksport High School cheerleaders should have been in the state finals. Why? Because they were right on at the Easterns and the judges have admitted that they scored us wrong, and unfairly concerning stepping off the mat. Perhaps I am reacting, but you sure wouldn’t want me to judge this mess. Judges, apologize to these girls and make the best out of something that can’t be brought back.

Jeff Robinson Jr.

Bucksport

The arguments against the open tournament lack merit. My father, who led two teams to state championships, always said that “seeding means very little.” The fact of the matter is, you must beat the best, or worst, to be the best. Do not blame the open tournament for your sixth-ranked team’s loss to a lower seed in the prelim games.

It’s quite obvious if your team wasn’t capable of beating the 11th-ranked team, at home, then they were not worthy of being champions in the first place. Any given team can win on any night, true champions rise to the challenges set before them, and achieve victory.

I’m sorry your team lost, which will be the tune sung by higher seeds in the future, but I don’t agree with your argument. The open tournament is better for Maine high school basketball in the long run. Coaches can use more players during the regular season, (limiting injuries), the “Cinderella Story” has the opportunity to exist, and the game will be bigger and better for it.

Just because your team is a higher seed doesn’t mean their pain is any greater for not having the opportunity to play in Bangor. It’s important these young athletes see parents, coaches and other players supporting the opportunity to compete. Let’s set the example by not placing the blame on the system to attempt to lessen the disappointment of the young athletes. Let the kids play, let the coaches coach and let the open tournament succeed.

Seth Woodcock

Farmington

I am writing to express the pride this community has in its high school basketball teams. Our boys this year have enjoyed a very successful season, and only fell just short of making it to the tournament in Bangor. Our girls had a tough season, but they hung in there, and never let their record get them down. Despite these disappointments, this town could not be more proud of these kids.

All of the members of the Easton Bears basketball teams are good kids. They make us all proud when they exhibit their exceptional sportsmanship during every single game, despite the circumstances. They played their hardest consistently, and always showed the fans a good game. There was not one boys game in Easton which was not packed with spectators. The fans of these teams came to see good basketball, good spirit, and good kids.

No, our boys team did not make it to the tournament this year, but despite that fact, these kids will all go far in their lives. They have learned to accept defeat and learn from it. They make us proud. Good job, guys.

Brent B. Bradley

Easton