Changes needed for ‘B’ tourney schedule

Several years ago the Eastern Maine tournament committee made a decision to have four Class B basketball games on Friday. At the time this decision was made they did so to give Class D schools a chance to play Saturday evening.

Bill Fletcher, the tournament director, thought it would be good for Class D schools to have a prime time slot in the tourney and give them some exposure. I applaud Mr. Fletcher for the thoughtful idea, but Class B schools, students, and fans have suffered because of this decision. How, you might ask.

You see what the committee didn’t count on happening was poor attendance for that afternoon session that begins at 3 p.m. on Friday. This year, for example, the Camden Hills girls opened the tourney against Mount Desert Island. The committee, who is filled with educators, should try to consider how this might effect each and every student.

Does this mean schools like Camden Hills and MDI get an early release from school for the entire student body so they can attend the game or games? How about the game to follow? It started at around 4:30 p.m. and Presque Isle High School was in that game. They, too, probably had to offer early release to their students so they could make the three-hour trip to Bangor in time to see their girls play.

The time has come to have back-to-back three-game sessions. Here is how I would change the format. I will use this year’s tournament teams as the example.

The first game on Friday would start at 5:30 p.m. That would be the No. 3 vs. No. 6. Then that game would be followed by a 7:05 p.m. game for No. 2 vs. No. 7. The final game of the night would be the No. 1 vs. No. 8 at 8:35 p.m. This is similar to what they have done or still do in Augusta.

The following morning at 9 a.m., the final Class B game would be played of No. 4 vs. No. 5. Then the two Class D girls games would be played at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Then the tourney would go back to its normal format of two-game sessions. The afternoon and evening session would have Class B boys playing. The afternoon session would start at 3 p.m. and end with a 4:30 p.m. game. The evening session would start at 7:35 p.m. and then the final would start at 9:05 p.m.

Another reason for changing the times and having two, three-game sessions would give family, friends and fans the opportunity to get to the games in a timely fashion. After all these tournaments are for the kids first, and the fans of those schools participating in the tournament. Attendance has not been good for these afternoon sessions because people have to work or they simply can’t make it in time for the 3 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. games.

The Eastern Maine tournament committee needs to bite the bullet here and make it easier for all involved and eliminate the afternoon session. This tourney is for the student-athletes, cheerleaders and bands.

A simple change will help the MPA make more money even if they might be giving up a small amount to have a couple of three-game sessions. Normally the MPA already charges too much for fans to attend these games so what is the big deal about charging a dollar or two more for a three-game session? Especially if it makes life easier for the students and fans they so desperately want to attend these games.

Just a thought from someone who has attended tournament games for more then 25 years.

Charles E. Farley Jr.

Trenton

Criticism of cheering judges is unwarranted

Let me start by saying I truly enjoy the Fan Feedback section as it does allow voice for a wide variety of fans. I like how it sparks conversation, and I normally have an opinion one way or the other and keep it to myself.

This time, I can’t.

Two articles in the last feedback section whined about unfair judging in a cheering competition. I do agree with one article that larger venues are needed, but give it a rest on the judging. I live with one of these judges, and let me tell you, no one is “out to get” your schools or your children.

Judges are trained professionals and present themselves in this fashion. It’s also worth mentioning that they are in very short supply and have to travel all over the state to allow for competition. Without them there is no competition.

I also agree that cheering has become a great sport and they are fierce competitors; I enjoy watching the competitions, and my daughter is a competitive cheerleader. She, like all other athletes, will compete for the rest of her life.

She will win, lose, and will have to be judged. The outcome may not be what either of us wants, but people win and people lose. We can make excuses, or we can get better and learn from failures. Sorry to use such a strong word but yes, we all fail at times. What are we going to say to our athletes and children when they go beyond high school sports and they fail? Who will we blame? That’s an easy answer.

In closing, I’d like to thank the cheering judges throughout the state for allowing our community athletes to take part in competition.

Bill Hodgdon

Hampden

Cheering judges receive high praise

Editor’s note: Erica Gove-Raymond is a former cheerleading coach. She coached at Caribou High School for many years. She recently sent the following letter to Denise Gelinas, who is the head of the cheerleading judges for the state of Maine.

“Denise, I have to comment on your officials this season and what a fantastic job they have done. My friends and I have officially become competition junkies and have traveled to several competitions this season. At each one, we have found the judging to be consistent and fair. We also have noticed the level of professionalism with which your officials conduct themselves.

“You have done a great job providing knowledge and training to your officials and you should be proud! (I’m sure I didn’t need to tell you that)

“We just hosted the Aroostook League and as usual, the judges were great. I especially have to comment on Andrea Cole, who is so great. She is organized and efficient, not to mention incredibly approachable and friendly.

“Again, thank you for a great season of judging.”

Erica Gove-Raymond

Caribou