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Mustang athletes set good example
To the Editor:
I have not ridden on buses to athletic events, but both of my kids have played basketball and soccer at Smoky Mountain High School since they began as freshmen, three and four years ago. I also have known most of their teammates and their parents since these kids were very young, for these athletes also have played at Cullowhee Valley, Fairview and Scotts Creek schools, as well as for the Jackson County Recreation Center and YBOA and AAU teams.
I greatly differ with – and frankly am insulted by – the opinion David Snell expressed in his letter last week. In the past 10 or so years, I have never heard a coach or parent say that nothing matters but winning; on the contrary, I have heard coaches and parents stress repeatedly that studies always come first. I know firsthand of one assistant coach, one of my former students, who studied and wrote essays on the bus, modeling the behavior that we all want to see our kids exhibit.
All of my kids’ coaches also have ensured that parents and students alike know that unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and they remind these kids that they need to be better than good examples. Indeed, these students have learned to be the “compassionate, respectful and honorable leaders and citizens” to which Snell refers in his letter. Many of them graduated this year or are currently at the top of their classes, and I know that they will do much to change our world for the better. I look forward to teaching some of them.
SMHS administrators also have emphasized sportsmanlike and leader-like conduct, along with good study skills, attitudes and habits, and we have been very fortunate to have Mutt DeGraffenreid’s honorable leadership to help turn around our athletic program. Thus, I admit to being very confused when he says, “Given the events of this past school year it is understandable that confusion exists about what makes an athlete.” We feel particularly proud of this past year.
I know that kids get themselves “pumped up” for games and that they are “bummed” after a loss, and perhaps comments made before and after away games are what he refers to. They are, of course, very emotional at these times.
I would like to see an apology directed toward all of us who have worked very hard for many years to instill good morals and honorable behavior in these athletes. Also, these young men and women are due an apology, for he has tried to discount all of their dedication and hard work over many years.
Toni Knott
Sylva
Shuler should vote yes on marijuana bill
To the Editor:
The science is in. The Institute of Medicine has documented many therapeutic applications of marijuana. Proof is in the pudding that marijuana brings relief to thousands of patients who use it under their physicians’ guidance.
North Carolina patients suffer or break state law while waiting for our state representatives to sponsor and pass a medical marijuana law. Twelve states now regulate rather than criminalize the actions of patients who comply with their physicians’ treatment recommendations concerning medical marijuana.
Congressman Heath Shuler will be voting on an amendment very soon that will protect patients who are legally using medical marijuana under state law from federal arrest. It is important for the federal government to recognize the states’ rights to enact legislation to protect patients.
By voting “yes” for the Hinchey Amendment, Rep. Shuler will be showing his constituents that he is willing to represent the Western North Carolinians who support states’ and patients’ rights concerning medical marijuana.
David Oppenheimer
Cullowhee
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