Criticism of Calvary players if baffling

I am a former coach at a private Catholic school in Waterville. Before every game my players and I prayed for good sportsmanship, no injuries, and that they would play to the best of their ability. At the end of the game, we prayed to thank God for the outcome and for helping them to play the way they should.

I am very sure that the Calvary Chapel team did not pray to win or have an opponent lose. I can not understand how an adult can criticize a young man because he prays after a game or mentions the Lord when expressing his thanks after the game.

In America we have the right to practice religion. I really hope that none of those young men read the letter, “God’s Support? (BDN, March 2)”. I, as a teacher and former coach, am pleased to see well-behaved, polite, and grateful young men and women. We need more people like them.

Rebecca Johnston

Guilford

Don’t throw stones at Calvary players

There is absolutely no doubt the moral and values of our society are ever declining. I suppose I should not have been surprised last Tuesday when I read some of the comments regarding the Calvary Chapel Christian basketball team.

The thought that people were offended because the players gave all the glory to God is truly sad. With all the time impressionable young kids spend watching the NBA games on television these days, I’m just glad that some speak of Jesus, as opposed to Dennis Rodman or Kobe Bryant.

I do believe there is a time and place for everything. If during the interview Brock Bradford had accidentally cussed, no one probably would have thought twice about it!

This school and its coaching staff should be proud of the way its team conducts itself. I coached basketball at the high school level for 23 years, and I know for a fact Christian men like Coach Ross Bradford and coaches Roger and Mark Reed are few and far between. High schools especially could use more men like these.

When winning becomes the ultimate criteria for hiring coaches, and role-modeling becomes secondary, I think its very sad. If these young men want to give the Lord Jesus Christ the honor for success so be it. They may coach your children some day. That might be something for those to consider, who throw all the stones.

I was thrilled to see Ron Miller, a former Schenck player as part of the Calvary Christian staff. The Lord will bless you mightily some day for it.

Ed Murray

East Millinocket

Inspiring photo

Thank you Bangor Daily News for the Monday, Feb. 23 edition for the photo on the front page covering the Eastern Maine Class D basketball tournament of the Calvary Chapel Christian School praying after its overtime victory.

I found this photo to be very inspiring and as a Christian I thank God we can still exercise our freedom of speech. Calvary Chapel: GREAT JOB!!!

Donna M. King

Houlton

God cares

I have nothing but respect for the Calvary Chapel team. I compliment them for exercising their religious freedom.

The team has taken some heat for doing what they did, but I think of the many men who died for our right to exercise or even criticize this freedom if we choose.

I’m also glad that they have acknowledged God in all their ways. God may not care who wins the game, but He cares about how we conduct ourselves during it.

Nicholas Waite

Corinth

Houlton could help Sox

Congratulations to the Houlton boys basketball team. Could the team and coach pass on their secret for winning a long awaited championship to the Red Sox?

Peter Edgecomb

Caribou

Gold ball preferred over sportsmanship

Recently I had read an editorial in this paper about the Dexter fans (BDN, March 2). It seems some people have taken unkindly to the school spirit shown by the Dexter student section.

Cheering and yelling is why we sit in that section. Being a Dexter student myself, I am well-acquainted with the cheers that are yelled.

If these cheers were really so offensive, then why didn’t a Maine Principals’ Association official tell us to stop? If people have a problem with the cheers that the MPA condones, then it’s them they should write to!

Besides, who needs a sportsmanship banner when you can have a gold ball?

Steve Robinson

Dexter

The real Red Sox

In response to Robbie Foster’s heartwarming article (BDN, March 2). I’d like to applaud you on your faith and loyalty to your team. I wonder if you like reality shows?

There’s a new show coming out this spring that promises to lift your spirits then let them drop like a ton of bricks. It’s called the “Boston Red Sox.” The reality is “1918!” Have a nice summer.

Ed “Moon” Grant

Brownville

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