Thanks to coaches

I would like to express my thanks to the football coaching staff at Bangor High School. Head coach Mark Hackett and his staff have been wonderful role models for our boys. Not only have they led the team to a very successful season, but have paid particular attention to the academic part of their school careers.

Coach Hackett instituted a mandatory study hall for all of the players after school. As I understand it, if the players didn’t attend, then they didn’t play in the next game. This mandate must be unique in today’s secondary schools.

I applaud head coach Mark Hackett and all of his staff for not only being great coaches, but for paying close attention to what is really important for our children. That they grow up with strength and purpose and an understanding that hard work both on and off the field is how they’ll be successful in life.

Thanks to them from a very grateful parent.

Susan Dowe

Bangor

Congratulations, Rams

I would like to congratulate the Bangor football team on becoming state champion.

After the mall story, I felt so badly that this could ruin Bangor’s chances for becoming No. 1 in Maine football.

I prayed and hoped that the coach would get his boys together and tell them that they can do it and will.

Give thanks this holiday for your win but most of all, give thanks that you are Americans.

Joanne Collison

Biddeford

Anthem needs Pep

We enjoyed two Black Bear hockey games last weekend (in spite of the outcome) and decided it’s time to get something out in the open.

Why does the university insist on having someone sing the national anthem when the Pep Band, that wonderful, energetic, excellent band, sits there listening? It seems any “country star wanna-be” who barely knows the words can take a turn, painfully dragging it out and ruining it in the process. Some of the renditions are so awful that it’s impossible to sing along – you never know where their voices are going to take the song!

Please, UMaine – let the Pep Band do what they’re there for: play the national anthem as it’s supposed to be played – on key, peppy, and easily joined by all the patriots in the stands.

Ellen and Don Roffey

Baileyville

Remembering Huggy

I’d like to echo and add to the sentiments of Alberta Farthing Owens in regard to Huggy Dye.

Yes, Huggy provided a great amount of entertainment for fans of UMaine basketball. But, beyond that, Huggy, at times, was also a great ambassador.

For three years, without fail, and even during his tumultuous junior year, Huggy had time to pay attention to a young fan of his.

At last year’s UNH game in Durham, a little girl was standing near the sidelines just prior to the second half as the players went through warmups. Huggy spotted the little girl he’s seen at team functions for the past few years, came over, and gave her a warm welcome and a high-five. My daughter ran back up into the stands, thrilled that Huggy had recognized her presence at the game.

Huggy went on to hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer. That’s how she’ll remember him.

Thanks, Huggy. Be well.

Dan King

Kennebunk

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