Be careful on IDs

After noticing enough mistakes made in identifying people or events in the captions of your photos I am reminded to be cautious in my belief of the accuracy of what is printed in the paper.

The photo printed for the high school boys Class B state soccer championship (BDN, Nov. 5) names a player who is erroneously identified as being outmaneuvered. It is particularly odd that an attempt at an identity was made when only the arms, legs, and hair of the player were visible and not facial features or an identifying number. Perhaps in such a situation names should not be used and a more generic identification be substituted.

I would urge the Bangor Daily to be more careful and to check their work before they hand it in.

Laren Lynn

Orono

Runners inspire hope

Kids today are … Fill in the negative word. We hear this all the time. We read it in the media. I was lucky enough to witness something Saturday that gives me great hope for the future of our country. I attended the state cross country championships in Augusta and saw some of the best of our future.

I witnessed a freshman give up his spot on the starting line to a senior because it was his last high school race, fierce rivals cheering for each other because they understood the effort and sacrifice. I witnessed split-second finishes that were followed by hugs and congratulations between competitors, parents who congratulated rival team parents on a race well run by their son or daughter, whether they were first or last.

I witnessed the ability of the competitors to give their all, not just for themselves, but for a bigger cause, the good of the team. At the awards ceremony, I witnessed teams cheering and giving standing ovations not only for their team but for teams that beat them.

In a few short hours I witnessed all that is good and right and positive with our future and very little that is negative. I was inspired, moved and amazed at the intensity of the competition, the level of sacrifice and the mutual support which are, or should be, the cornerstones of a great society. In these days of uncertainty and fear, Saturday was a real inspiration and reaffirmation of the strength of our future. I for one believe … we’re gonna be OK!

Michael F. Alteri

Franklin

Huggy will be missed

I’m sure I speak for a lot of fans of the University of Maine men’s basketball team when I say I’m sorry about the suspension of Huggy Dye.

He will be sadly missed but we will remember the excitement he brought to the games, smoking those 3-pointers like it was child’s play.

It was a tough case for Maine coach John Giannini but an even tougher lesson for Huggy.

Discipline is key, on the court and off.

Alberta Farthing Owens

Baileyville

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