Eagle Ridge has much to celebrate at sports banquet

To the editor:

Tonight, Eagle Ridge Christian School will hold its annual sports banquet, and we have much to celebrate.

The girls basketball team, ably coached by Donna Powell, took second place at the Class 2 state tournament in Joplin. Cara Ervin, center, took a first state award, and Rachael Carbaugh, point guard, took a second state award. The boys team, coached by Tony Hammack, Mark Harris and Michael Probst, received the consolation plaque, the first state award to be taken by the boys team. Andrew Mellies, center, took a first state award, one of only five given in the state.

The girls volleyball team, coached by Andrea Hammack, received the second-place trophy for the year. Both Rachael Carbaugh and Cara Ervin received first state awards, and Ashley Hughes took a second state award.

This school is on its way to becoming a real force in this community. We have watched as it has matured and blossomed into a first-rate center for education as well as sports. We watched our teams play some really good ball. We have also been impressed with the professional approach to coaching, practice and strategy. The time and effort were rewarded by the performance of all the athletes.

But the most exciting thing is the Christian attitude that is exemplified by these coaches and athletes. Winning is the objective of all sports, but leadership is the byproduct.

My husband and I are proud to say we have been a small part of a very fine experience.

EMILY and STEVE MELLIES

Cape Girardeau