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Working together for the whole

To the editor:
Approximately three and a half years ago the North Branch Area Hockey Association decided to take things up a notch by registering the 1999-2000 boys peewee hockey team to play at a B traveling team level in lieu of the local in-house level. This decision was made in an attempt to elevate the skill level of our local players in the hopes of some day fielding a high school hockey team again and being able to continue feeding that team with smarter, more mature and more competitive players. The players from that team as well as newcomers and some of the squirts from that time recently completed their 2002-2003 season as our high school junior varsity and bantam teams.
Over the last four seasons these players were repeatedly asked to work together as a team to make things better for the future. To not look at the wins and losses but to look at the picture as a whole. To respect their teammates for who and what they were and not disrespect them for what they werenít. That there probably were going to be more trials and tribulations than successes and rewards. That there were younger players following in their footsteps that would continue their work and someday appreciate their efforts to make things better for the future.
The high school team finished the season with a 1-19-0 record. Not too great but theyíre back on the ice. And last night the Bantams defeated Centennial Black 4-3 to capture the District 10 B2 Championship. Awesome guys, totally awesome! Congratulations to the coaches, players, managers and parents of the Bantam Champs as well as the high school team and thank you for the conflicts, hardships and sacrifices youíve faced.
Two different teams, two different records, one goal. When we look at the issues and problems facing our communities, our counties, our state and our nation, I only hope that all of us can take an old unheeded lesson from these fine young men. To work together for the benefit of all and not the glory of just one.
By the way, this core group of 99-00 peeweeís will next year once again take the ice as our high school hockey team and I know first hand theyíre going to be fun to watch, and they know their job is not quite done. Oh yeah, and thanks for letting me be a part of it.
Bill Rice
North Branch

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