[dbcooper]

I will say this. I was one of the harsh critics of this program after we (Knox) played them. The colorful hair, makeup, post game dancing, taunting, a few rude fans and other accusations from our players really made me question their coaching staff and the whole program. I had chalked them up as one hit wonders with no class.

But having seen the Bell game all that has unfolded afterwards, NOTHING could be further from the truth. This is a second year coach and staff that inherited not just a team but a program that was in shambles. THEY not only won 12 games in a row after a winless debut (never been done in KY before) but they dealt with a painful loss that produced situations that even the most experienced coaches might have struggled to handle. In that turmoil they have held the course that is often painful and difficult for any of us whether as parents, supervisors at work, or leaders on a battlefield: they have condemned the actions that were wrong, accepted responsiblity, and still stood by the ones who made the mistakes. In this they have proven they don't just excel at Xs and Os but they excel at serving their team as leaders. Leaders who are not simply there to revel in the victory - but who continue to lead and serve under the pressure of imperfection, loss, and crticism. Well done.

These coaches, the community there in LC, the school leaders and anyone connected to that program have NOTHING to be ashamed of. In the heat of battle things happen. You deal with them and move on with lessons learned serving as a compass for tomorrow. Great job on an amazing season. I would happily bring my son there to play for you anytime.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Isaiah 40:31

This may be one of the finest posts I've read on any topic on any board.

Life presents great challenges, and we often deal with those challenges imperfectly. There are people I know who are going to look back on a moment in time Friday with plenty of sorrow and have determined that they will do all they can to set things right - even in a situation where that will prove very hard to do.

It takes a robot to never make a mistake; it takes a courageous young person to face a mistake and then try to make amends. It takes committed adults to try and lead that young person through that process.

Hopefully those who've been swift to anger and judge will be just as swift to forgive and allow young people the room to grow.