sunday's sports letters

Bell City fan appreciates sign

To the editor:

As a fan from Bell City, I would like to say "thank you" to the community of Delta. As we were on our way home from the state championship victory Saturday night, we passed through Delta around 9 p.m. and were greeted with a congratulatory sign. I'm not sure who is responsible for the sign, but thank you. My family was very touched by your gesture. Thank you for showing your support and letting coach David Heeb and the boys know you are proud of them. It means a lot to all of us.TAMMY ABNER-DUENNE

via e-mail

Team helps teach valuable lessons

To the editor:

I am blessed to be coaching at Notre Dame High School. In general, if you would hear a coach say something like this, it would be directly related to fan support and winning basketball games. While we have been blessed the past two years in this area, the real reason goes much deeper.

In a time when many people do not have a positive perception of high school athletics, I would like to share the experiences of my team this year. Two weeks ago I lost my mother to a brain tumor. Before and during her sickness she was a constant sight at Notre Dame basketball games. Her last stay in the hospital came the week of our district tournament. The Sunday after we lost to Charleston in the finals, the entire Notre Dame basketball team traveled two hours to visit my mother in the hospital. After her death, Brother David obtained a bus and brought my team, cheerleaders, faculty members and students to the visitation in St. Louis. I also have received numerous cards and telephone calls expressing thoughts and prayers about my mother's death.

I hope I have taught my players many things this year about basketball and life. I don't believe, however, I could have taught them as much as they have taught me about showing concern for others and keeping priorities in line. To say that I am thankful would be an understatement, but I can say I am extremely proud to be called "coach" by each one of these players.DARRIN SCOTT

Cape Girardeau

(in memory of Barbara Ann Scott)

Editor's note:Darrin Scott is the boys' basketball coach at Notre Dame Regional High School.