Columnist’s opinions off base

First, I would like to start by asking Rob Centorani a serious question about his article titled, "G-MU should focus on nothing more than feelings."

The article states, "Forget the fact that the players who get the most playing time are more dedicated, talented and competitive than the ones who sit the bench."

I would like to ask how can you say a player is not dedicated, talented, or competitive when he is not given the time to show it?

Isn’t it dedication when players show up to practice and give their all to the game of basketball, but still have to sit and watch the starters play? Even when one team is down by 15 points in the last quarter? I think it’s safe to say that game is over, but even when the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton boys basketball team faced these situations this season, the starters played until the last moments.

Starters are given more time in games and in practice, which makes it hard for a player such as myself to move up.

As for competitiveness, if you believe the starters are the most competitive players on a team, you really need to go to a game and take a good look at a team’s bench. The players I had the priviledge to sit on the bench with were more competitive and more into the game than the starters, doing everything they could to make the game go our way.

Of hard work and sacrifice, Centorani wrote, "As for those students who studied and earned a 90, we’re not here to award hard work and sacrifice."

How can he compare players who sit the bench to a person who receives a 50 on a test? It’s funny he tries to compare a person’s academics to basketball.

As I sat the bench this year I observed how other coaches ran their teams. I saw the teams we played make substitutions, giving everyone a chance to play. Many of these teams even beat us. This may come as a shock to Mr. Centorani, but many of the bench players were as talented as the starters.[an error occurred while processing this directive][an error occurred while processing this directive]The whole point of my article is more than five players should play and there is no reason why they all shouldn’t have some amount of time. If coach Bill Hartman only wanted five starters, why did he take 12 players on his team?

_ Patric Mosomillo, Mount Upton

Varsity is for winning

In response to Pat Mosomillo’s Feb. 13 letter _ winning is everything and that is a fact of life. Just like classwork, either you pass or fail.

Losing is not fun, especially at the varsity level. But varsity is not the place to "make yourselves better." Pickup games and playing offseason are for that. Varsity sports make men out of boys and the time for the pacifier is over. Every school should be competitive at this level. That’s why we keep score! If the coach doesn’t care about winning, he’s only in it for the money and should retire.

Every day at practice is where you prove yourself. Nothing in life is given to you and practicing on your own is essential.

Players need to know their role on the team and not everyone can start. Even those sitting the bench have an important role. They must step up when called upon and give 100 percent. There is a definite pecking order, even in sports, and the kids are aware of it. You might not start, but you are contributing to the team by helping them practice.

Every parent thinks their kid is special and should be the MVP. Unfortunately, love is blind.

I have a sophomore who starts over his brother, who is a senior. The senior does not whine about his brother playing more than he does and he is very supportive and glad the team is winning.

Senior Night is a farce and misleading to the kids who think they will finally play. It should be a night to recognize the senior athletes in a ceremony only. If they don’t start during the regular season, they it shouldn’t be different on Senior Night. Our Senior Night happened to be the most important game of the season as the outcome determined who would represent the West Division in the Tri-Valley League championship.

We already lost the winningest girls soccer coach in the history of Gilbertsville-Mount Upton and now you think we should get rid of (boys basketball coach Bill) Hartman because he is winning?

One more thing, if a player has an issue, it’s their responsibility to talk to the coach, not whine. If players feel strongly about playing, they should practice more.

I am sick of people complaining when they don’t get off their butts and put forth the effort to get better.

_ Mike Hall, Gilbertsville

Edmeston’s JV girls a class act

By now, anyone associated with junior varsity girls basketball knows about the Edmeston team, which won the West Division with an 11-1 record and went 18-2 overall, being denied the opportunity to play for the Tri-Valley Championship on Friday night against East Division winner Schenevus.

Edmeston didn’t play the championship game because of an unfortunate scheduling error and the NYSPHSAA’s rule about maximum number of games.

Laurens took Edmeston’s place in the final. Despite knowing that fate, Edmeston’s girls triumphantly played their final league game against G-MU _ their 20th game _ and then celebrated the end of a wonderful season.

Rather than obsessing over not playing the final, they attended the championship game and rooted for the teams.

Before the game, Edmeston’s girls and their coach were called to center court to be acknowledged for their season and were greeted by the Laurens and Schenevus teams with handshakes and hugs. What a wonderful show of mutual respect and sportsmanship by all three teams, recognizing each others’ accomplishments regardless of circumstance.

The Edmeston girls and their families wanted to experience the championship game, feel the excitement, and fuel their desire to return there next year.

It’s possible this season might end up being the only time some of these athletes will ever have a chance to be a part of a championship team, but the class and the spirit with which these three teams conducted themselves during that pregame moment should be remembered. Congratulations to Schenevus, but regardless of where the banner hangs, all of you athletes are champions, and as individuals, you made your communities and your families very proud.

_ Robert Cornnell, Edmeston

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