Old Town is right, but penalty too harsh

Old Town High School should be congratulated for having and enforcing a no-fail policy for student athletes, and is correct in taking head football coach Pete Kenny to task for breaking it. However, permanently removing him as head coach seems too harsh – sending the message that one mistake is enough to ruin a career. Suspension for the remainder of the season would seem more appropriate, especially in light of the formidable odds he has faced in keeping the program afloat.

A no-fail policy ensures that only the most modest of requirements be met to play. It is a less strict policy than is in place at some schools but clear and fair. Enforcement can be painful. I know this as well as anyone, having been forced, as a head coach, to forfeit five games after several players had to be dismissed from the team, leaving only 14 varsity level athletes eligible. Our school policy required a minimum of, if I recall correctly, 18.

I feel for coach Kenny, whom I remember well as a player at Bucksport. He is a young man who made a mistake, one he should have had the wisdom to avoid, but one which should not cost him his job. Athletes failing a class get the opportunity to redress that deficiency. Coach Kenny should have the same opportunity to atone for his mistake.

Bruce Pratt

Eddington

Yanks learn Sox lesson

A play of the game was played on the night of Oct. 7 between the Yankees and the Tigers. The Yankees again thought they had it made and were going to win with ease. But the Tigers came roaring in and eliminated the Yankees with a score of 8-3. The Red Sox didn’t have a good year, they had a lot of injuries, but a lesson the Yankees learned: Money doesn’t always win the game.

Dena Harris Ventucci

Bangor

Good night, N.Y. fans

Hey to all you Yankee fans, Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Fox News, oh yeah Eddie Grant in Brownville. Good night!

Barry McSorley

Sebec

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