To the Editor:
We need to make some changes with our two school buildings here at
Eagle Valley. There are people in both communities that want to have a
school in their town. There are others who want our school in one building,
in one community. The option we chose of keeping a school building in each
town will be checked into very carefully. We will consult with professionals
to hear what they have to say. No one knows what is going to happen until we
have done our ìhomeworkî and find out all the details we can. I can not
stress enough that this will take time. Our board is willing to look at
whatever will work out the best for our district. I feel some people are
ìjumping to conclusionsî and hearing false information. Nothing is written
in stone and we needed to start somewhere. Thanks to all who are supportive
of our school. Together we can make Eagle Valley even better!
Sincerely,
Marie Busch
Board Member
To the Editor:
I had an experience last night that, in my opinion, defines the
greatness and universal appeal of high school activities. It also
shows the importance that high school athletics play in many towns across
the state.
I was in Brainerd as the Region 5A committee representative at the
Section 5A boysí basketball championship game between Barnum and
Bertha-Hewitt. It was an incredible experience.
There were about 1,200 people in the gymóa very nice crowd. An
even more impressive number when you consider that the combined populations
of Bertha, Hewitt and Barnum total 1,258 ñ and thatís from an old map, might
be less now. It probably wouldíve been a good night to rob a bank in
one of those towns!
My job was to observe the game, be there if any questions came
up and help with awards after the game. Not too tough. I figured
as long as no questions came up ñ I was fine.
I learned before the game that these two teams had met in the first
round of the state tourney last year (Barnum won) ñ but were now in the same
section.
Barnum jumped out to an early five point lead. Bertha-Hewitt led
by three at halftime and as many as eight in the second half. It was
tied with about four minutes remaining and within a three-pointer to tie
with less than six seconds remaining. Bertha-Hewitt ended up winning
42-38. But, thatís really not important to the story.
Here are some things I saw that are important:
The folks at Brainerd High School had worked their tails off to
provide a great experience for these two schools.
The Bertha-Hewitt band played the ìGrease Megamixîóand I couldnít get
the unedited lyrics to ìGreased Lightningî out of my head the whole ride
home.
Everyone stood for both school songsótheirs and the other teams.
(Hail to the Victors and Down the Field, if you care)
You couldíve heard a pin drop before the Barnum band started the
National Anthem.
You could barely hear the person next to you for the rest of the
evening.
A 42-38 game was exciting ñ because of the intensity of defense played
by both teams, and the intensity of the crowd ñ cheering for their teams.
The players on both teams were so tired they could hardly move after
the game.
I had no connection to either team ñ and yet it was one of the most
enjoyable and invigorating games I have ever seen.
What I saw was thisóyoung men (it couldíve just as easily been young
women) playing for enjoyment and prideópride in themselves, pride in their
teammates and pride in their communities. And playing for the chance
for their small school and town to be showcased on statewide television at
the state tourney.
I saw coaches jump with joy, wince in pain and smile with delight
because they knew what the kids were going through and learning ñ and how
important this was to their school and town.
I saw parents, families and friends proudly wearing school colors and
cheering for their team (not against the other team) from the depths of
their souls.
Everyone wants to get excited when Eden Prairie plays
Minnetonkaóand thatís OK. But, given a choice, I would choose Barnum
versus Bertha-Hewitt anytime!!
Emmett Keenan
Section 5A Tournament Manager