Remarks about cheerleaders bring apology

To the editor:

I would like to apologize to the cheerleaders for what I said to reporter Sam Blackwell in the story, "Tournament full of holiday cheers." I did not mean to say what I said. I think the cheerleaders are great. It takes a lot of guts to get up and cheer in front of the crowds. I know cheerleaders practice and train a lot and I know that takes a lot of time. I watch them help get the crowds going, and it is fun to watch.

I know the comment I made sounded like I don't care that cheerleaders are there, and I apologize. Without cheerleaders, the games would not be the same. Cheerleaders help us out a lot when we're playing. I hope they can all forgive me. I'm sorry for what I said. Keep up the hard work.

JOE DUFEK

Cape Girardeau