OUR VIEW: Keep up the good work with ‘Mania’ and Fan Fest
Published: September 21, 2009
Updated: September 21, 2009
» Great work by athletic boosters at CCHS and EVHS to create fun events that promoted spirit.
Blue Devil Pride never went away, even during an extremely tough year for Culpeper County High School athletics in 2008-09.
But a recent event showed that this year it’s as big as ever.
The newly formed Blue Devil Backers hosted Blue Devil Mania Sept. 12 as a way to celebrate the start of a new athletic season and generate interest — and money — for the Blue Devils’ sports teams.
The event went off without a hitch and was a tremendous idea. The Blue Devil Backers deserve credit for taking a proactive approach as an organization.
The Eastern View Athletic Boosters should also be congratulated on their Fan Fest, held before the Cylcones’ home football game against Louisa. Though the event was postponed from its original date, it was still a hit with kids (who had the opportunity to take a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine) and adults (who got to chow down on food from some of Culpeper’s best restaurants.)
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MONKEYING AROUND: Working with new Culpeper County High School football coach Mike Williams has been a good experience for the sports reporters here at the Star-Exponent, who appreciate his candor.
We hope Williams never clams up, but he’s going to have to think a little harder about the way his comments come across. Several fans of the Blue Devils complained about his quote that, “You can line a monkey up, and if he can think straight he can make a play; but if a kid doesn’t think he can do it, he won’t.”
Some thought it was an unfair attack on the players. Others wondered if the comments were about race. While critics might have a point that it wasn’t a nice thing to say, claims of racism are off base.
Coaches often use tough love to motivate their players, and that’s all Williams was trying to do. People shouldn’t read too much into his off-the-cuff remark. Still, you’ve gotta be careful these days.
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Reader Reactions
First of all, I am sure Coach Williams meant no offense in his statement, but rather just wants to get his team motivated.
Secondly, thank you to the Blue Devil Backers for all their hard work in helping to make our school a better one and in trying to get the community involved.
Lastly, Blue Devil Mania is a great idea. However, the idea was brought to life by a student. This student had the idea and began working on it this summer with the support and cooperation on the CCHS administration.
Thank you again for the kind words and seeing that things are happening at CCHS.
Your off the cuff criticism of Coach Williams is not necessary. Anyone who works with kids or coaches athletes knows what he says is true. Perhaps we have become too PC after George Allen’s “macacca” comments. I personally take no offence to the Coach’s analogy, especially if it’s making a point when no offence is intended.
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