Wright fulfills dream

Just when you think sportsmanship has died, people come along and proves otherwise. Such was the case Friday night, Feb. 16, at Bangor High School’s Red Barry Gymnasium. The varsity boys basketball team was playing host to Old Town in the Rams’ final home game. This was Bangor senior David Wright’s first and last game as an active participant.

In mid-August, David was a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a potentially fatal car accident. David suffered severe injuries that almost claimed his life. Also injured were the driver and another passenger. David was told by several doctors that the severity of his injuries would prevent him from ever playing competitive basketball.

David refused to accept that fate and worked extremely hard with his physical therapist and me on regaining his flexibility and strength. Last fall, he underwent surgery to repair the humerus (upper arm bone) of his left arm. He was told that two of the nerves in that arm would no longer function, causing him to have little function in that arm. Undaunted, he continued to work hard and set his sights on playing in the last home game.

On Feb. 14, his doctor gave him clearance to play. Bangor High athletic director Steve Vanidestine phoned Old Town athletic director Garry Spencer and talked with both he and Old Town head coach Marty Clark about David and about what he’d like to see happen if the situation presented itself. All parties involved agreed that if the game was out of reach, David would play and be fouled so that he could shoot foul shots and make it into the score book.

With about four minutes to go, coach Roger Reed inserted David into the game. The members of the team and those in attendance stood and cheered. David had several chances to make a foul shot, shooting long and missing each time. On his last attempt Matt Anderson, a teammate of David’s, rebounded the ball and passed it back out to David for a foul line jumper. David made good on this shot, and the crowd and bench went crazy.

To those of us who have been by David’s side and have seen what he has gone through see this is a big deal. Suffering from life-threatening injuries and focusing on returning to the lineup as a member of the defending boys Class A state champions allowed David to overcome tremendous adversity and realize his goal.

On behalf of David’s family and friends I would like to thank coach Marty Clark and his Old Town Indians for helping to make David’s dream come true. You and your team give true meaning to sportsmanship and to all that is good about athletics. Thank you.

John Ryan, LATC

Head Athletic Trainer

Bangor High School

The better team won

The letter (Feb. 20) from Mr. Perry of Easton bemoaning the fate that befell the Easton Bears has prompted me to respond.

To say that Easton should never have been in the position they were in is simply out of line. The MPA instituted a new tournament format this season that included all member schools. That is their decision, like it or not, as it is the MPA that conducts the tournament. Easton chose to participate in the tournament.

Easton had everything stacked in their favor. They were a No. 6 seed, which guaranteed them a home game through the preliminary rounds. Believe me when I say that Easton has one of the biggest home-court advantages in Eastern Maine.

Bangor Christian beat Easton coming out of the 11th seed. They then proceeded to defeat Jonesport-Beals in the first round of the tournament at the Auditorium.

It appears that the better team won the preliminary games and the game in Bangor. To place blame on the MPA for Easton not getting to Bangor is simply misguided. No one let down the Easton Bears. They played a game and lost. Only one team gets that spot and it has to be earned through the system devised by those who run the tournament.

My guess is that the Easton Bears will move on with life. It is time for the adults to do the same.

Peter Caruso

Dover-Foxcroft

Brownville Rec lauded

I would like to thank the Brownville Recreation Director Dean Bellatty and his volunteer coaches for another fine Pee Wee Basketball season. Also a big thank you to the volunteer referees, especially Eli Zwicker, who was there for almost every game.

Sitting on the bleachers during these games, I heard plenty of complaints about missed calls. Maybe next year some of you complainers will volunteer to take one of the whistles and referee some of the games. Dean never refuses any offers of help.

Another thing to remember is that these games are being played by kids, not pros. If they were to call every infraction, the games would last for hours. Imagine trying to call all the fouls that are made by 10 hyped-up kids.

Remember the 2000 Class C Maine state champions, Penquis Valley High School? Most of these boys got their start through the Brownville Recreation Pee Wee Basketball program.

Ginger Weston

Brownville Junction

Trappers follow rules

Anti-trappers will never understand why we (trappers) love the outdoors. I raised my two boys in an outdoor environment. They respect the outdoors. They hunt what’s in season and they trap what’s in season. I never knew a trapper’s kid to shoot up a school or blow up a bank.

Today’s kids sit in front of video games, which teach them how to shoot and explode. Then from there they go to the computer which can fill their brains with stupid thoughts. They do nothing to burn off their energy. Kids today are bored. What for? They’ve got more now than we ever had.

Humans are natural predators. It’s in our instincts to hunt and catch. I would rather have my boys kill a beaver than a high school student. Laws are made to protect everyone. There are laws for people when they go shopping and there are laws for when I go trapping. I don’t tell you how to shop, so I don’t expect you to tell me how to trap. Catch a beaver, save a tree.

Ken Robinson

Springfield

Defending Woodland

As a longtime fan and graduate of Woodland High School, I felt compelled to respond to Thelma Milton’s letter (Feb. 27) regarding her experience in Woodland.

I do know from personal experience that getting a gym ready for a basketball game takes some time and effort. Athletic directors spend countless hours planning for the games and working with custodians and other school personnel to make sure everything is ready. It would be difficult if fans were allowed in early for the games.

As a spectator at the Washburn game, I noticed many Woodland fans cheering for members of the Washburn teams as they were introduced. I’m sorry if some fans made some inappropriate comments, but please don’t judge our school and all fans by the actions of a few. Thank you.

Janet Proulx

Baileyville

Note to readers: The NEWS asks that letters be kept brief and reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity, and to fit available space. Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Mail letters to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402, or e-mail: bdnsports@bangordailynews.net